Image formation apparatus and image formation system

ABSTRACT

In an image formation system, at least two copying machines are connected to each other. One of these machines functions as a master machine and the other functions as a slave machine. When the link copy mode is set in the master machine and when the user tries to select an operation mode which can not be executed in the master and slave machines concurrently, then copying is prohibited.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromthe prior Japanese Patent Application No. 10-359404 334599, filed Dec.17, 1998, Japanese Patent Application No. 11-023007 filed Jan. 29, 2000and Japanese Patent Application No. 11-352471, filed Dec. 10, 1999, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates an image formation apparatus as well as toan image formation system. More specifically, this invention relates toan image formation apparatus and an image formation system in which aplurality of image formation apparatuses are connected to each other toshare a copy job.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There has been known the so-called link copy operation for concurrentlyexecuting a print job with two or more units of image formationapparatus by linking a plurality of image formation apparatuses such asdigital copying machines through a communication network like LAN andselecting a link mode provided in each apparatus. In other words, inthis link copy operation, for instance when a specified number of copiesare to be prepared for a document having N pages and further theprocessing for stapling (staple mode) is to be executed, then theavailability of a staple function in a local machine (master machine)and other machines (slave machine) is checked. When it is confirmed thatthe link mode and staple mode are available in the local machine andother machines, then the printing job is executed by all the machinesconcurrently.

Further, there have been proposed various types of system for variouspurposes in which a plurality of image signal output units such an imagescanner capable of outputting an image signal, a word processor, and apersonal computer and a plurality of image formation units such asprinters capable of forming an image based on image signals outputtedfrom the image signal output units.

As examples of the image formation system described above, there is, forinstance, the image formation system disclosed in Japanese PatentPublication No. HEI 2-21190 in which a plurality of image signal outputdevices and a plurality of image formation apparatuses are connected toeach other in order to perform recording, storage and communication ofimage information between all the apparatuses. In this system accessfrom an apparatus to any other apparatus is possible. Further, there isthe system disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. HEI5-304575 in which a plurality of digital copying machines are connectedto each other to realize a faster copying.

In the conventional technology as described above, however, when systemconfiguration of the master machine is different from that of the slavemachine, if a mode not available in the slave machine is set in themaster machine and link copy is started, a result which is differentfrom that specified by the user is obtained. Thus there is a problemthat operational disturbance or generation of incorrect copy may occurin the link copy operation.

In the link copy operation based on the conventional technology, eachtime an operation in the link copy mode is to be executed, it isrequired to directly check various conditions (such as availability ofsupply, a communication state, a state of a display screen, and anoperating state) in the slave machines and then to set the link copymode or start the operation. Because of such requirements, the operationis very complicated and productivity in printing is disadvantageouslylowered.

In the link copy operation based on the conventional technology afunction for automatically starting the link copy operation in both themaster machine and the slave machines is not available. Therefore, whenthe number of copies is large, a long time is disadvantageously requiredfor executing the printing job and the operation is also verycomplicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a first object of the present invention to prevent generation of amistake in copying in a link copy mode when a user tries to set or setsan operation mode which can not be executed in both the master machineand the slave machines and also to improve operability in the link copymode.

It is a second object of the present invention to improve operabilityand productivity of operations in the link copy mode by making itpossible for a user of the master machine to check various conditions ofthe slave machines (such as availability of supply, a communicationstate, a state of a display screen, and an operating state of a slavemachine, from the side of the master machine.

It is a third object of the present invention to simplify operations andimprove productivity of operations in the link copy mode byautomatically executing operations for copying in the link copy modewhen a number of copies to be printed is larger and a long time may berequired for the processing.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention, ina state where a link copy mode has been selected, when a function whichcan not be executed in a local device or in other image formationapparatus is selected, a link copy operation is inhibited.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention, afunction available in a local machine is reported to other imageformation apparatus, and an image of a document read by and transferredfrom the other image formation apparatus is printed in the localmachine.

With an image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports a function available in the slave machine to amaster machine, and in a state where the link copy mode has beenselected, when a function which can not be executed in the local machineor the slave machine is selected, the master machine inhibits the linkcopy operation.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention, ina state where the link copy mode has been selected, when a functionwhich can not be executed in the local machine or other image formationapparatus is selected, a select key for selecting the function is notdisplayed.

With an image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports a function available in the slave machine to amaster machine, and in a state where the link copy mode has beenselected, when a function which can not be executed in the mastermachine or in the slave machine, the master machine does not display theselect key for selecting the function.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention, ina state where the link copy mode has been selected, when a functionwhich can not be executed in the local machine or other image formationapparatus is selected, a display indicating that the select key forselecting the function is invalid is displayed.

With an image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports a function available in the slave machine to amaster machine, and in a state where the link copy mode has beenselected, when a function which can not be executed in the mastermachine or in the slave machine, the master key displays a messageindicating that the select key for selecting the function is invalid.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention, ina state where the link copy mode has been selected, when a functionwhich can not be executed in the local machine or in other imageformation apparatus is selected, the mode for executing the function iscanceled.

With an image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports a function available in the slave machine to amaster machine, and in a state where the link copy mode has beenselected, when a function which can not be executed in the mastermachine or in the slave machine is selected, the master machine cancelsthe mode for executing the function.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention,the function includes a staple function.

With an image formation system according to the present invention, thefunction includes a staple function.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention, ina state when the link copy mode has been selected, when power for otherimage formation apparatus is OFF, the link copy operation is inhibited.

With an image formation system according to the present invention, alocal machine reports a power ON/OFF state in the local machine to otherimage formation apparatus, and prints an image of a document read by andtransferred from other image formation apparatus.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention, aslave machine reports a power ON/OFF state in the slave machine to amaster machine, and inhibits the link copy operation when the link copymode is selected and a power for the slave machine is OFF.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention, ina state where the link copy mode has been selected, when the other imageformation apparatus are not ready for communications, the link copyoperation is inhibited.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention, alocal machine reports a communication-ready state in the local machineto other image formation apparatus, and prints an image of a documentread by and transferred from the other image formation apparatus.

With an image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports a communication-ready state in the slave machineto a master machine, and in a state where the link copy mode has beenselected, when the slave machine is not ready for communications, themaster machine inhibits the link copy operation.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention, ina state where the link copy mode has been selected, when a communicationerror occurs in other image formation apparatus, the link copy operationis inhibited.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention, alocal machine reports a communication error state in the local machineto other image formation apparatus, and prints an image of a documentread by and transferred from the other image formation apparatus.

With an image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports a communication error state in the slave machineto a master machine, and the master machine inhibits the link copyoperation in a state where the link copy mode is selected when acommunication error occurs in the slave machine.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention,when power for other image formation apparatus is OFF, selection of thelink copy mode is inhibited.

With an image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports a power ON/OFF state in the slave machine to amaster machine, and the master machine inhibits selection of the linkcopy mode when power for the slave machine is OFF.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention,when other image formation apparatus are not ready for communication,selection of the link copy mode is inhibited.

With an image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports a communication-ready state in the slave machineto a master machine, and the master machine inhibits selection of thelink copy mode when the slave machine is not ready for communications.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention,when a communication error occurs in other image formation apparatus,selection of the link copy mode is inhibited.

With an image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports a communication error state in the slave machineto a master machine, and the master machine inhibits selection of thelink copy mode when the slave machine is in the communication errorstate.

With an image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine cyclically transmits a communication connection checksignal indicating whether connection has been established or not to amaster machine, and the master machine receives the communicationconnection check signal and determines whether the slave machine isready for communications or not.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention,when other image formation apparatus are in the supply-end state, thelink copy operation is inhibited.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention, alocal machine reports a supply state in the local machine to other imageformation apparatus, and prints an image of a document read by andtransferred from the image formation apparatus.

With an image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports a supply state in the slave machine to a mastermachine, and the master machine inhibits the link copy operation whenthe slave machine is in the supply-end state.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention, areporting unit reports, when a supply state in a local machine changes,the supply state in the local machine to other image formationapparatus.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention,the link copy operation is inhibited when a print engine error occurs inother image formation apparatus.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention, alocal machine reports an operating state of a print engine in the localmachine to other image formation apparatus, and prints an image of adocument read by and transferred from the other image formationapparatus.

With an image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports an operating state of a print engine in the slavemachine to a master machine, and the master machine inhibits the linkcopy operation when an print engine error occurs in the slave machine.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention,when an operating state of a print engine in a local machine changes,the local machine reports the operating state of a print engine in thelocal machine to other image formation apparatus.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention,when other image formation apparatus display a screen other than thenormal copy screen, the link copy operation is inhibited.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention, alocal machine reports a screen display state in the local machine toother image formation apparatus, and prints an image of a document readby and transferred from the other image formation apparatus.

With an image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports a screen display state in the slave machine to amaster machine, and the master machine inhibits the link copy operationwhen the slave machine displays a screen other than the normal copyscreen.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention, areporting unit reports, when a screen display state in a local machine,the screen display state in the local machine to other image formationapparatus.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention,when other image formation apparatus are executing a printing operation,the link copy operation is inhibited.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention, alocal machine reports an operating state of a print engine in the localmachine to other image formation apparatus, and prints an image of adocument read by and transferred from other image formation apparatus.

With an image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports an operating state of a print engine in the slavemachine to a master machine, and the master machine inhibits the linkcopy operation when the slave machine is executing a printing operation.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention, areporting unit reports, when an operating state of a print engine in alocal machine changes, the operating state of a print engine in thelocal machine to other image formation apparatus.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention,when other image formation apparatus are in a supply end state,selection of the link copy mode is inhibited.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention, aslave machine reports a supply end state in the slave machine to amaster machine, and the master machine inhibits selection of the linkcopy mode when the slave machine is in the supply end state.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention,when other image formation apparatus are in the print engine errorstate, selection of the link copy mode is inhibited.

With an image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports a print engine state in the slave machine to amaster machine, and the master machine inhibits selection of the linkcopy mode when the slave machine is in the print engine error state.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention,when other image formation apparatus are displaying a screen other thanthe normal copy screen, selection of the link copy mode is inhibited.

With an image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports a screen display state in the slave machine to amaster machine, and the master machine inhibits selection of the linkcopy mode when the salve device displays a screen other than the normalcopy screen.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention,selection of the link copy mode is inhibited when other image formationapparatus are executing a printing operation.

With an image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports an operating state of a print engine in the slavemachine to a master machine, and the master machine inhibits selectionof the link copy mode when the slave machine is executing a printingoperation.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention,when a number of specified copies of a document to be printed is morethan a prespecified number of sheets.

With an image formation system according to the present invention, whena number of sheets of document to be printed is more than a prespecifiednumber of sheets, the link copy mode is automatically executed.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention,when a number of sheets of document is more than a prespecified numberof sheets, the link copy mode is automatically executed.

With an image formation system according to the present invention, whena number of sheets of document is more than a prespecified number ofsheets, the link copy mode is automatically executed.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention, atotal number of sheets to be printed is calculated based on a number ofsheets of document and a specified number of sheets of document to beprinted, and the link copy mode is automatically executed when thecalculated total number of sheets to be printed is more than aprespecified number of sheets.

With an image formation system according to the present invention, amaster machine calculates a total number of sheets to be printed basedon a number of sheets of document nd a specified number of sheets ofdocument to be printed, and automatically executes the link copy modewhen the calculated total number of sheets to be printed is more than aprespecified number of sheets.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention, alocal image formation apparatus calculates a total required number ofimage-forming operations based on a number of sheets of document, anumber of sheets of document to be printed, and a specified imageformation mode, and automatically executes the link copy mode when thecalculate number of image-forming operations is more than a prespecifiedvalue.

With an image formation system according to the present invention, amaster machine calculates a total required number of image-formingoperations based on a number of sheets of document, a specified numberof sheets of document to be printed, and a specified image-forming mode,and automatically executes the link copy mode when the calculated totalnumber of image-forming operations requires a larger number of sheets ofpaper more than a prespecified value.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention,when the link copy mode is automatically executed, a message indicatingautomatic execution of the link copy mode is displayed on a displayunit.

With an image formation system according to the present invention, amaster machine displays a message indicating automatic execution of thelink copy mode on a display unit when the link copy mode isautomatically executed.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention,when the link copy mode is automatically executed and a printing job isfinished, the link copy mode is canceled.

With an image formation system according to the present invention, amaster machine cancels the link copy mode when the master machineautomatically executes the link copy mode and finishes a print job.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention,when the link copy mode is selected, a link copy mode shift requestreporting unit sends a link copy mode shift request to other imageformation apparatus connected thereto, and a link copy mode setting unitsets the link copy mode in response to the link copy mode shift requestand based on a result of determination that a link copy mode shiftrequest sent from other image formation apparatus can be accepted.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention, alink mode shift determination unit determines in response to a link copymode shift request sent from other image formation apparatus whethershift to the link copy mode is possible or not, and sends the result ofdetermination to the other image formation apparatus.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention, ina slave machine, a link copy mode shift determination unit determines inresponse to a link copy mode shift request sent from a master machinewhether shift to the link copy mode is possible or not, and sends theresult of determination to the master machine. On the other hand, whenthe link copy mode is selected, the link copy mode shift requestreporting unit in the master machine sends a link copy mode shiftrequest to the slave machine, and a link copy mode determination unitsets the link copy mode based on the result of determination sent fromthe slave machine that shift to the link copy mode is possible.

With an image formation apparatus according to the present invention,one image formation apparatus is connected to other image formationapparatus peer to peer.

With an image formation system according to the present invention, amaster machine is connected to a slave machine peer to peer.

Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent fromthe following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a digital copying machine according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of an operation panel;

FIG. 3 is a view showing a display screen of a liquid crystal touchpanel of the operation panel;

FIG. 4 is a view showing a display screen when an automatic paperselection mode is set on the operation panel;

FIG. 5 is a view showing a display screen when a link copy key on theoperation panel is pressed;

FIG. 6 is a view showing a display screen when a staple mode is set onthe display screen shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a view showing a display screen of the operation panel whenthe link copy mode and staple mode are set in a state where a finisheris not connected to the slave machines;

FIG. 8 is a view showing a display screen of the operation panel whenthe link copy mode is set in a state where a finisher is connected tothe slave machines;

FIG. 9 is a view showing a display screen of the operation panel whenthe link copy mode is set in a state where a finisher is connected tothe slave machines;

FIG. 10 is a view showing a display screen of the operation panel whenthe staple mode is selected independently;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a control system (Example one ofconfiguration) of the digital copying machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a control system (Example two ofconfiguration) of the digital copying machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of a copying machine networksystem;

FIG. 14 is a view showing hardware configuration of a network copyingmachine;

FIG. 15 is a conceptual view showing software configuration of thenetwork copying machine;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing detail configuration of an imageprocessing section shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing detail configuration of the memorycontroller and an image memory;

FIG. 18 is a timing chart showing an image signal for one page;

FIG. 19 is a view showing configuration of a management system for adigital copying machine;

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing a series of operations for determiningwhether copying is allowable according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the example (1) of link copy modesetting according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing the example (2) of link copy modesetting according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing the example (3) of link copy modesetting according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a view showing an example of a screen when the link copy keyis pressed to set the link copy mode;

FIG. 25 is a view showing an example of a link copy mode setting screenwhen a setting end key is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a view showing an example of a screen when the paper isselected manually (not automatically in response to detection of thepaper);

FIG. 27 is a view showing an example of a screen on which anot-selectable paper feed state is displayed with half brightness;

FIG. 28 is a view showing an example of an alarm display generated whenan identical tray is not available in the link copy mode;

FIG. 29 is a view showing an example of a screen showing an alarmdisplay when supply of paper is required in a machine (slave machine)other than the machine currently being operated (master machine) instarting operations in the link copy mode;

FIG. 30 is a view showing an example of setting screen for switching anoperation when paper is out in an image formation apparatus;

FIG. 31 is a view showing a first example of hardware configuration of asection around a serial communication line between the master machineand the slave machine;

FIG. 32 is a view showing a second example of hardware configuration ofa section around the serial communication line between the mastermachine and the slave machine;

FIG. 33 is a view showing a third example of hardware configuration of asection around the serial communication line in the master machine aswell as in the slave machine;

FIG. 34 is a flow chart showing an example of processing when the linkcopy key according to a second embodiment of the present invention ispressed and when power state in the slave machine changed;

FIG. 35 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing when thelink copy key according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention is pressed and when a communication-ready state changes in theslave machine;

FIG. 36 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing when thelink copy key according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention is pressed and when a communication error is generated;

FIG. 37 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing fortransmitting a communication connection confirm command for checkingwhether communications according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention can be performed;

FIG. 38 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing forreceiving the communication connection confirm command for checkingwhether communications according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention can be performed;

FIG. 39 is a flow chart showing the processing executed when a link copykey according to a third embodiment of the present invention is pressed;

FIG. 40 is a flow chart showing the processing executed when a power OFFstate in the slave machine according to the third embodiment isdetected;

FIG. 41 is a flow chart showing the processing executed when the linkcopy key according to the third embodiment of the present invention ispressed;

FIG. 42 is a flow chart showing the processing executed when acommunication not-ready state in the slave machine according to thethird embodiment of the present invention is detected;

FIG. 43 is a flow chart showing the processing executed when the linkcopy key according the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a flow chart showing the processing executed when acommunication error according to the third embodiment of the presentinvention is detected;

FIG. 45 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing fortransmitting information concerning a state in a local machine accordingto a fourth embodiment of the present invention to a machine with whichthe local machine is communicating;

FIG. 46 is a view showing an example of screen display when an error isgenerated in a print engine according to the fourth embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 47 is a view showing an example of screen display showing selectionof each item and a preset value for each item in a default modeaccording to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 48 is a view showing an example of a screen display showing a statewhere a maintenance mode according to the fourth embodiment of thepresent invention is set;

FIG. 49 is a flow chart showing the processing executed when a link copykey according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention ispressed;

FIG. 50 is a flow chart showing the processing executed when informationconcerning a state of the machine with which the local machine iscurrently communicating according to the fourth embodiment of thepresent invention is received;

FIG. 51 is a flow chart showing the processing for determining whethercopying is allowable in the link copy mode according to the fourthembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 52 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing executedwhen a link copy key according to a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention is pressed;

FIG. 53 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing wheninformation concerning a supply state of the machine according to thefifth embodiment of the present invention with which the local machineis communication is received;

FIG. 54 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing executedwhen information concerning a state of a print engine in the machineaccording to the fifth embodiment of the present invention with whichthe local machine is communicating is received;

FIG. 55 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing executedwhen information concerning a state of screen display in the machineaccording to the fifth embodiment of the present invention with whichthe local machine is currently communicating is received;

FIG. 56 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing executedwhen information concerning an operating state of a print engine in themachine according the fifth embodiment of the present invention withwhich the local machine is currently communicating is received;

FIG. 57 is a view showing the general contents of the operations in theelectronic sort mode when the link copy operation according to a sixthembodiment of the present invention is executed;

FIG. 58 is a view showing an example of a detail function setting screendisplayed when a concentrate key according to the sixth embodiment ofthe present invention is pressed;

FIG. 59 is a view showing an example of a screen shown when a copyingoperation is being executed in the link copy mode according to the sixthembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 60 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing executedwhen a link copy key on a liquid crystal touch panel according the sixthembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 61 is a flow chart showing a first example of the operation of amaster machine just after a start key according to the sixth embodimentof the present invention is pressed;

FIG. 62 is a flow chart showing a second example of the operation of themaster machine just after the start key according to the sixthembodiment of the present invention is pressed;

FIG. 63 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing accordingto the sixth embodiment of the present invention in which a criteria fordetermining whether the link copy operation should automatically bestarted is a number of pages of a document;

FIG. 64 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing accordingto the sixth embodiment of the present invention in which a criteria fordetermining whether the link copy operation should automatically bestarted is a total number of images;

FIG. 65 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing when acriteria for determining whether the link copy operation shouldautomatically be started is a total number of times the images areprepared;

FIG. 66 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing executed inthe slave machine when an operation for copying is executed in the linkcopy mode according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 67 is a flow chart showing an example of an operation foroutputting a display screen for the automatic link copy operationaccording to the sixth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.59;

FIG. 68 is a flow chart showing operations of a digital copying machinewhen a link copy key according to a seventh embodiment of the presentinvention is pressed;

FIG. 69 is a flow chart showing operations executed when a digitalcopying machine according to the seventh embodiment of the presentinvention receives a request for shift to the link copy mode;

FIG. 70 is a flow chart showing operations executed when the slavemachine according to the seventh embodiment of the present inventionreceives a request for canceling the link copy mode from the mastermachine;

FIG. 71 is a flow chart showing operations executed when the operatingstate of the digital copying machine according to the seventh embodimentof the present invention changes;

FIG. 72 is a flow chart showing operations executed when the mastermachine according to the seventh embodiment of the present inventionreceives information concerning an operating state of the slave machinefrom the slave machine;

FIG. 73 is a flow chart showing operations of the digital copyingmachine when a link mode key according to an eighth embodiment of thepresent invention is pressed;

FIG. 74 is a flow chart showing operations executed when the digitalcopying machine according to the eighth embodiment of the presentinvention receives a request for shift to the link copy mode;

FIG. 75 is a flow chart showing operations executed when the digitalcopying machine having transmitted a request for shift to the link copymode according to the eighth embodiment of the present inventionreceives acknowledgement of the request for shit to the link copy modefrom the slave machine; and

FIG. 76 is a flow chart showing operations executed when the mastermachine having transmitted a request for canceling the link copy modeaccording to the eighth embodiment of the present invention receivesacknowledgement of the request for canceling the link copy mode from theslave machine.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of a digital copying machine and a digital copyingmachine system to which the image formation device and the imageformation system each according to the present invention arerespectively applied are described below with reference to the attacheddrawings.

A first embodiment of the present invention is explained below withreference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 23.

Configuration of a Digital Copying Machine:

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the digital copying machine accordingto a first embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, a notillustrated document having many pages placed with the image printedsurface upward respectively on a document base 102 of an automaticdocument feeder (ADF) 101 are fed, paper by paper starting from thepaper placed at the bottom, by a paper-feed roller 103 and a paper-feedbelt 104 to a specified document reading position on a contact glass105.

The document paper fed onto the contact glass 105 is read by a readingunit 106, and is discharged by the paper-feed belt 104 and apaper-discharge roller 107. When it is detected by a document setdetection sensor 108 that another paper is present on the document base102, the same series of operations performed with the previous paper.The paper-feed roller 103, paper-feed belt 104, and paper-dischargeroller 107 are driven by a carrier motor not shown in this figure.

A plurality of sheets of recording paper placed on a first tray 109, asecond tray 110, and a third tray 111 are fed from a first paper-feedsection 112, a second paper-feed section 112, and a third paper-feedsection 114 respectively, transferred by a paper carrier unit 115 to aresist roller, and are carried up to a position just before a contactposition with photosensitive drum 116. In parallel with the operationsdescribed above, a document image read by the reading unit 106 iswritten as image data with a laser beam outputted from a writing unit117 onto the photosensitive drum 116, and is visualized as a toner imageby a development unit 118.

The recording paper is restarted at a timing so that the resist rollercomes to a specified position against the toner image, carried by acarrier belt 119 at a speed equal to a rotational speed of thephotosensitive drum 116, and is subjected to the transfer processing,thus the toner image on the photosensitive drum 116 being transferred.The toner image transferred onto the recording paper is thermally fixedby a fixing unit 120. The recording paper with the image fixed thereon(this process is described as image formation hereinafter) is dischargedby a paper-discharge unit 121 onto a finisher 122 which is apostprocessing device.

The finisher 122, which is a postprocessing device, can guide recordingpaper carried thereto by a paper-discharge unit 121 in a main frame ofthe machine in a direction to a discharge paper tray 126 or to a stapleprocessing section (at a bottom left corner in the figure). In thisprocess, the finisher 122 guides the recording paper with a switch plate124. By switching the switch plate 124 upward, the recording paper canbe discharged via paper-discharge roller 123 and a carrier roller unit132 to the normal discharge paper tray 126. By switching the switchplate 125 downward, the recording paper can be carried via carrierrollers 125 and 126 to a staple base 128.

An edge of the recording paper placed on the staple base 128 is alignedby a paper-aligning jogger 129 each time a sheet of recording paper isdischarged, and then a certain number of copies are prepared, the sheetsare stapled by a stapler 130. A group of sheets of recording paperstapled by the stapler 130 is accommodated into a stapled dischargepaper tray 131.

The normal discharge paper tray 126 can be moved back and forth. Thedischarge paper tray 126, which can be moved back and forth, moves backand forth each time a document is copied, or each time a copy is sortedby an image memory 501 described later for sorting the dischargedcopies.

When images are to be formed on both surfaces of the recording paper,recording paper fed from the first tray 109, second tray 110, and thirdtray 111 with an image formed thereon is not guided to the dischargepaper tray 126, but is temporally stocked on a double-surface paper-feedunit 134 by setting a branch claw 133 for switching a path for eachsheet of recording paper in the upper side.

The recording paper temporally stocked in the double-surface paper feedunit 134 is again fed from the double-surface paper feed unit 134 with atoner image formed on the photosensitive drum 116 transferred thereon,and is guided to the discharge paper tray 126 by setting the branch claw133 for switching a path for each sheet of recording paper in the lowerside. As described above, the double-surface paper feed unit 134 is usedwhen images are to be formed on both surfaces of recording paper.

The photosensitive drum 116, carrier belt 119, fixing unit 120, apaper-discharge unit 121, and development unit 118 are driven by a notillustrated main motor, while the first paper-feed section 112, secondpaper-feed section 113, and third-paper feed section 114 are driven by atransfer drive by the main motor to each component via a not illustratedfirst paper-feed clutch, a second paper-feed clutch, and a thirdpaper-feed clutch. A vertical carrier unit 115 is driven by a transferdrive by the main motor via a not illustrated intermediate clutch.

Operations for reading an image in the image reading unit 106,operations for writing an image in the writing unit 117, and operationsfor forming a latent image on a surface of the photosensitive drum 116are described below. The latent image as defined herein is a potentialdistribution generated by converting an image to optical data andirradiating the optical data onto a surface of the photosensitive drum116.

The reading unit 106 comprises a contact glass 105 on which a documentis placed, and an optical scan system. The optical scan system comprisesan exposure lamp 135, a first mirror 136, a lens 137, a CCD image sensor138, a second mirror 139, and a third mirror 140. The exposure lamp 135and first mirror 136 are fixed to a not illustrated first carriage,while the second mirror 139 and third mirror 140 are fixed on a notillustrated second carriage. When reading an image, the first and secondcarriages are mechanically scanned at a relative speed of 2 vs 1 so thatthe light path length does not change. This optical scan system isdriven by a not illustrated scanner drive motor.

The image is read by the CCD image sensor 138, and is converted to anelectric signal. Magnification of the image can be changed by moving thelens 137 and CCD image sensor 138 in the left and right directions (inFIG. 1). Namely, positions of the lens 137 and CCD image sensor 138 inthe left and right directions (for focusing) are set in correspondenceto the specified magnification.

The write unit 117 comprises a laser output unit 141, a focusing lens142, and a mirror 143, and a not illustrated laser diode which is asource of laser beam having a specified wavelength and a not illustratedpolygon mirror which is driven at a high and constant speed by a notillustrated polygon motor are provided in the laser output unit 141.

A laser bean irradiated from the laser output unit 141 is reflected bythe polygon mirror which rotates at a constant high speed, passesthrough the focusing lens 142, again reflected by the mirror 143, andfocused on a surface of the photosensitive drum 116, thus an image beingformed.

The laser beams used for scanning is irradiated in a direction (mainscanning direction) perpendicular to a direction in which thephotosensitive drum 116 rotates, and is used for recording an imagesignal outputted from a selector of a image processing unit 402described later line by line. By repeating the main scanning at aprespecified cycle corresponding to the rotating speed of thephotosensitive drum 116 as well as to a recording density, an image(electrostatic latent image) is formed on the surface of thephotosensitive drum 116.

As described above, a laser beam outputted from the writing unit 117 isirradiated to the photosensitive drum 116. A beam sensor (not shown)which generates a main scanning synchronization signal is located at aposition near one edge of the photosensitive drum 116 where the laserbeam is irradiated. Timing control for starting image recording in themain scanning direction and generation of a control signal forinput/output of an image signal described later are executed based onthis main scanning synchronization signal.

Configuration of the Operation Panel:

Configuration of the operation panel 201 used for providing displays toa user and also used by a user to input data for setting and controllingvarious functions is described below with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 5.FIG. 2 shows the operation panel. As shown in FIG. 2, the operationpanel 201 comprises a print key 202, a clear/stop key 203, a ten-key204, a liquid crystal touch panel 205, default settings key 207, and amode clear key 208. The liquid crystal touch panel 205 is used todisplay various types of messages indicating, for instance, functionkeys 206, a number of copies to be prepared, and a state of a digitalcopying machine, or to input various types of information.

In this embodiment, as a dot display unit is used as the liquid crystaltouch panel 205, optimal displays most suited to the operation currentlybeing performed can graphically be provided. Although a dot display unitis used as the liquid crystal panel 205 in this embodiment,configuration of the present invention is not limited to this one.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a display screen of the liquid crystal touchpanel 205 on the operation panel 201. When the operator touches a keydisplayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 205, the key is displayed inreverse vides. When it is necessary to specify details of the function(for instance a specific value when changing the size), a screen forsetting the functions is displayed when an operator touches the key.

In FIG. 3, there is a message area used for displaying such messages as“ready”, and “wait” at the top left corner of the screen. To the rightfrom the message area, there are a copy number display section whichdisplays a number of set sheets. Under the copy number display section,there are a sort mode key 304 used for specifying the processing to putcopies page by page into the page order, a stack mode key 303 used forspecifying the processing to sort copies page by page, and a staple modekey 302 used for specifying the processing to staple the sorted copiesinto a bundle. Under these keys, there are an same size key used to seta magnification to the same size, a size change key used to set themagnification, a two side/division key used for setting the two sidecopy mode, and a delete/move key used for setting a binding space modeor the like. In this embodiment, especially a link copy key 301 used forspecifying a link copy mode required when a large number of copies arerequired and the printing job is to be shared also by other digitalcopying machine(s) connected thereto. In this figure, selected modes aredisplayed in reverse video.

As shown in FIG. 3, keys each used for manually setting a paper-feedstate are displayed as information indicating a number of availablepaper-feed trays. A size of each paper-feed tray (including informationconcerning whether the paper is placed with the longitudinal edgealigned along the vertical direction or horizontal direction), aresidual quantity of paper in each tray, a type of paper, and otherinformation are displayed in this section. The residual quantity ofpaper indicates the paper end state with the downward arrow, and thenear end state with a horizontal bar. A selected mode is displayed inthe inverted mode.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a screen when the automatic paper selectionmode is set. In this state, when the link copy key 301 is pressed, thescreen is switched to the link copy mode setting screen as shown in FIG.5. this mode is canceled when the link copy mode 301 is pressed, and thescreen shown in FIG. 4 is restored.

Control System for the Digital Copying Machine:

A control system for the digital copying machine is described in detailwith reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12.

FIRST EXAMPLE OF THE CONFIGURATION

FIG. 11 shows a control system for the digital copying machine, and asshown in this figure, a each system component is located around a systemcontroller 401 controlling the entire digital copying machine. Connectedvia a system bus to the system controller 401 are an image readingsection 402, an image writing section 403, a memory unit 404, a CSS 407,a clock 408, and a serial interface 409. Further, a user limiter 405, aperson sensor 406, and the operation panel 201 are directly connected tothe system controller 401. The image reading section 402, image writingsection 403, and memory unit 404 are connected through an image data busto each other.

The memory unit 404 comprises a compression block, a DRAM block, a DMAblock, and a serial trans-reception block. The DRAM block in the memoryunit 404 stores therein an image signal read from the image readingsection 402, and can transfer image data stored in the image writingsection 403 in response to a request from the system controller 401. Thecompression block has a compression function based on the MH, MR, or MMRsystems which are data compression systems generally used, andcompresses an image once read to improve efficiency in use of a memory(DRAM). Rotation of an image is realized by changing an address readfrom the image writing section 403 and the direction. When it isrequired to realize the ordinary copy function, this memory unit 404 isnot necessary.

The clock 404 is required only to realize a weekly timer function suchas booting a machine, or shutting down the machine with a prespecifiedtime (preset time) comes. The person body sensor 406 is required onlyfor realizing a function to cancel, in a preliminarily heating mode, themode when a user comes near the machine. The CSS 407 has a function ofremote diagnosis, namely a function to automatically report an error inthe machine to a service center, or to monitor an operating state of themachine from a remote site. The functions may be installed only when thefunctions are required.

SECOND EXAMPLE FOR THE CONFIGURATION

FIG. 12 shows another example of configuration of a control system forthe digital copying machine. In the first example described above (asshown in FIG. 11), the configuration is based on a centralized controlsystem in which a CPU of the system controller 401 provides controlsover the image reading section 402, image writing section 403, memoryunit 404, and CSS 407, but the present invention is not limited to thisconfiguration. For instance, as shown in FIG. 12, the configuration maybe based on a distributed control system in which each of the imagereading section 402, image writing section 403, and memory unit 404 hasa CPU respectively and a command from a system controller to eachcontroller is delivered over a control signal line. Configuration of thecontrol system for the digital copying machine is not limited to thefirst or second example, and any other configuration is allowable.

Configuration of the Image Processing Unit (IPU) in the Digital CopyingMachine:

FIG. 16 shows configuration of an image processing section (comprisingthe image reading section 402 and image writing section 403) accordingto the first embodiment of the present invention. Configuration of theimage processing section is described below with reference to FIG. 16. Alaser beam irradiated from an exposure lamp lights up a surface of adocument, and an image of the document is focused by a focusing lens(not shown) onto a CCD image sensor 138 of the reading unit 106. The CCDimage sensor 138 in the reading unit 106 generates image data (an analogelectric signal) by subjecting the received document image tophotoelectric transfer, and the image data is converted by an A/Dconverter 503 to a digital signal. The digital signal is subjected toshading correction in a shading correction circuit 504, and then to MTFcorrection and γ correction in an MTFγ correction circuit 505.

The selector 502 supplies image data inputted from the MTFγ correctioncircuit 505 via a first print synthesis section 506 to a size-changecircuit 508 via a second print synthesis section 507, or to a memorycontroller 510, and the image data having passed the size change circuit508 is enlarged or compressed according to a magnification and is sentto the writing unit 117.

Image data can be transacted bi-directionally between the memorycontroller 510 and the selector 502. Although not clearly shown in FIG.16, it is assumed herein that the image processing unit (IPU) has afunction of selectively inputting or outputting a plurality of types ofdata so that, in addition to the image data inputted from the readingunit 106, also image data supplied from outside via an I/O port 514 or aserial trans-reception block 515 such as data inputted from a dataprocessing unit such as a personal computer can be processed.

The image processing unit (IPU) further comprises a CPU 511 which setsvarious types of information (instructions) in the memory controller 510or the like and provides controls over the reading unit 106 and writingunit 117, and a ROM 512 and a RAM 513 in which programs for the CPU 511or data is stored. The CPU 511 can write data into or read data from theimage memory 501 via the memory controller 510.

Image for one page in the selector 502 is described in detail withreference to FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is a timing chart for image data for onepage. A frame gate signal (described as /FGATE hereinafter) expresses avalid period in the auxiliary scanning direction for the image data forone page. A main scanning synchronization signal (described as /LSYNChereinafter) is generated for one line, and the image data is validatedat a specified clock after first rise of /LSYNC.

A signal indicating that image data in the main scanning direction isvalid is a line gate signal (described as /LGATE hereinafter). The/LGATE, /LSYNC, and /LGATE signals are synchronized to a pixelsynchronization signal (described as VCLK hereinafter), and data for onepixel is sent within one cycle of VCLK.

The IPU has a function of discretely generating the /FGATE, /LSYNC,/LGATE, and VCLK signals for image input and mage output respectively,and can realize various combinations of image input and output byexecuting phase adjustment or other necessary adjustment when itdirectly outputs the read document image (image data).

The memory controller 510 and image memory 501 are described in detailbelow with reference to FIG. 17. FIG. 17 shows a detail configuration ofthe memory controller 510 and the image memory 501. The memorycontroller 510 has an input data selector 701, an image synthesissection 702, a primary compression/extension section 703, an output dataselector 704, and a secondary compression/extension section 705. Controldata for each of the system components above is set by the CPU 511. Theaddress and data shown in FIG. 16 show an address of image data and thedata. Data and address for control data inputted into or outputted fromthe CPU 511 are not shown in this figure.

The image memory 501 comprises a primary memory 706 and a second memory707. As the primary memory 706, a device enabling high speed access to aDRAM or the like is used so that image data can be written into or redout from the image memory 501 substantially in synchronism to a transferrate of the inputted image data. The primary memory 706 cansimultaneously execute input and output of image data by dividing amemory area into a plurality of areas according to a volume of imagedata to be processed. (For that purpose, an interface section with thememory controller 510 is used, although not shown herein.)

To enable concurrent input and output of image data into or from each ofthe divided area, two pairs of address data line for read and write areconnected to an interface section with the memory controller 510. Withthis configuration, an image can be outputted (read) from an area 2while an image is inputted (written) into an area 1.

The secondary memory 707 is a large capacity memory used to storetherein data for synthesizing or sorting inputted images. By usingelements enabling high speed access in both the primary memory 706 andsecondary memory 707, data processing can be executed equivalently inboth the primary memory 706 and secondary memory 707, and in additionthe memory controller 510 can be controlled easily. However, a DRAM israther expensive, so that, in this embodiment, data I/O is executed byusing elements enabling high speed access only in the primary memory706. It is needless to say that high speed elements such as a DRAM maybe used not only in the primary memory 706, but also in the secondarymemory 707.

As described above, by forming the image memory 501 with the primarymemory 706 and secondary memory 707, it is possible to realize a digitalcopying machine which enables input/output, storage, and processing of alarge quantity of image data with relatively simple configuration.Concentrated images generated by the concentrate copy function arewritten into and stored in the primary memory 706 in an arrayed formjust like being written on a sheet of recording paper.

An outline of the operations executed by the memory controller 510 aredescribed below. At first an operation for inputting an image (storingimage data into the image memory 501) is described below.

The input data selector 701 selects image data to be written into animage memory (primary memory 706) from a plurality of data. The imagedata selected by the input data selector 701 is supplied to an imagesynthesis section 702. The image synthesis section 702 synthesizes theimage data with data already stored in the image memory 501. Image dataprocessed in the image synthesis section 702 is subjected to datacompression by the primary compression/extension section 703, and thecompressed data is written into the primary memory 706. The data writteninto the primary memory 706 is further subjected to compression by thesecondary compression/extension section 705 according to the necessity,and is stored in the secondary memory 707.

An operation for outputting an image (for reading image data from theimage memory 501) is described below. In this process, at first, imagedata stored in the primary memory 706 is read out. When an image to beoutputted is stored in the primary memory 706, image data stored in theprimary memory 706 is extended in the primary compression/extensionsection 703, and the extended data, or data obtained by synthesizing theextended data with input data is selected by the output data selector704, thus the image data being outputted.

The image synthesis section 702 executes such processing as synthesis ofdata stored in the primary memory 706 with inputted data (with an imagedata phase adjustment function) and selection of a destination to whichthe synthesized data is outputted (output of an image, write-back to theprimary memory 706, and simultaneous output to both destinations foroutput).

When an image to be outputted is not stored in the primary memory 706,input data which is stored in the secondary memory 707 and is to beoutputted is extended in the secondary compression/extension section705, the extended data is written into the primary memory 706, and thenthe image output operation as described below is executed.

Configuration of the Digital Copying Machine Network System:

FIG. 13 shows a copying machine network system in which a plurality ofdigital copying machine according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention are connected to each other (A digital copying machineconstituting the copying machine network is described as “networkcopying machine” hereinafter). As shown in FIG. 13, a plurality ofdigital copying machines are connected to each other through a networkinterface. FIG. 13 shows an example in which eight units of digitalcopying machines are networked. The number of units of digital copyingmachines connected to each other is not limited to the example describedabove. Any number of units can be connected to each other. Further,different types of digital copying machines may be connected to eachother on the condition that mutual communications is possible betweenthe digital copying machines.

Various ways such as use of the Ethernet as a physical means and use ofTCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) communicationswhich is an OSI (Open System Interface) reference model for datacommunications can be considered as the means for networkcommunications. With the configuration as shown in FIG. 13, not onlyimage data, but also information concerning an intra-machine state ofeach machine present on the network, and control command or set commandssuch as the remote output command described later are transferred.

Digital Copying Machine System

FIG. 14 shows an example in which two units of digital copying machines(digital PPC-I) 1400, and (digital PPC-II) 1410 are connected to eachother peer-to-peer. Hardware configuration of the digital copyingmachines 140010 of in FIG. 14 is the same as that of the digital copyingmachine shown in FIG. 11. Image data is transferred via a serialtrans-reception block between the digital copying machines 1400 and1410, and the received image data is once stored in the DRAM block.Further, control data such as control commands or set commands aretransferred between the digital copying machines through the serialinterface 409. Although a serial interface is used in this example,image data and control data may be transferred by using the SCSI (SmallComputer System Interface).

When the link copy mode is executed by the digital copying machines1400, 1410, the machine in which the link copy key 310 is pressed toeffect the link copy mode functions as a master machine (an operatingmachine). The master machine sends a request for linkage to a digitalcopying machine (slave machine) to be linked thereto and executed thelink copy mode. In this link copy mode, image data for a document readby the master machine is transferred to the slave machine, and isprinted by both the master machine and slave machine. Namely a copy jobis shared by the master and slave machines. The digital copying machines1400, 1410 are connected to each other peer-to-peer, so that eachmachine can function as both a master machine and a slave machine. Inthe following description, it is assumed that the digital copyingmachines 1400 functions as a master machine and the digital copyingmachine 1410 functions as a slave machine.

Operation for transferring an image read by the “digital PPC-1” to animage writing section in the “digital PPC-II” (the operation isdescribed as “remote output” hereinafter) is described below withreference to FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing softwareof the digital copying machines 1400, 1410 (digital PPC-I and digitalPPC-II).

In FIG. 15, “copy application” indicates an application for executing acopy sequence to execute a copy operation, “input/output control”indicates a layer (device driver) for logically or physically convertingdata, and the operation panel controller indicates a layer for executingMMI (Man Machine Interface) (a layer for executing such operations asLCD display, LED ON/OFF, and key entry scan at a logic level). Further,the “peripheral machine controller” indicates a layer for providingcontrols over peripheral machines attached to a PPC such as an automatictwo side copy unit, a sorter, or an ADF at a logic level, and the “imageformation section controller”, “image reader controller”, and “memoryunit” are as described above.

The “demon process” is present there as an application for reading outimage data stored in the memory unit when a print request is receivedfrom other machine on the network and transferring the image data to the“image formation section”. It is needless to say that transfer of animage from the other machine on the network must be finished before animage is read from the memory unit and printed in the “demon process”.

The operation panel, peripheral devices, image formation section, imagereader, and memory unit are treated as resources owned by each PPC. Whenthe “digital PPC-I” shown in the figure executes a copy operation usingeach of the resources provided in itself (when the print start key ispressed”, the “digital PPC-I” demands the “system controller” to allowuse of each resource such as an “image formation device”, an “imagereader”, “peripheral devices”, and “memory unit” according to thenecessity.

The “system control” section arbitrates conflicts over the right to useeach resource in response to a request from the “copy application”, andreports the result of arbitration (whether the requested resource isavailable or not) to the “copy application”. When the “digital PPC-I” isused as a stand-alone machine (not connected to a network), all ofresources owned by the system can be occupied by the “copy application”,so that a copy operation is immediately started. When a printingoperation is executed by utilizing resources of other machine present onthe network (described as a remote digital PPC hereinafter), the rightfor use of the resources is demanded to the “system controller” in theremote digital PPC.

The system controller in the remote digital PPC (slave machine)arbitrates conflicts over the resources according to the request, andreports the result of arbitration to an application in the machinehaving sent the request. When the right for use of the application isallowed, the remote digital PPC reads an image, stores the image in amemory unit in the remote digital PPC itself. When the image is stored,the remote digital PPC transfers the image to a memory unit in a machineas a destination for remote output through an interface. When the imagetransfer is over, the remote digital PPC transmits various conditionsfor execution of a printing job (such as a paper-feed port, apaper-discharge port, a number of sheets to be printed) to a “demonprocess” in the machine as a destination for remote output, and thentransmits the “print start” command. When the “demon process” at thedestination for remote output receives the “print start” command, the“demon process” sends a request for starting printing to the “systemcontroller” in the machine (which executes remote output), thus remoteoutput being executed by the system controller.

When a memory unit in the “digital PPC-II” is used by the “digitalPPC-I”, the memory unit in the “digital PPC-II” can not be usedexcluding an application in the “digital PPC-II” (or digital PPCs otherthan the “digital PPC-I” when a plurality of digital PPCs are connectedto each other on the network as shown in FIG. 13).

EXAMPLE OF OPERATIONS IN THE LINK COPY MODE

Operations of the digital copying machine system shown in FIG. 14 in thelink copy mode are described below with reference to the flow chart.

EXAMPLE OF OPERATION 1-1

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing operations for determining whetheroperations in the link copy mode are possible or not according to thefirst embodiment of the present invention. At first it is determinedwhether the digital copying machine 1400 is in the link copy mode or not(S2001). Namely it is determined whether the link copy mode is set bypressing the link copy key 301 on the liquid crystal touch panel 205 ofthe operation panel 201. When it is determined in this step that thedigital copying machine 1400 is not in the link copy mode, theprocessing in step S2006 described below is executed. When it isdetermined that the digital copying machine 1400 is in the link copymode (in the state shown in FIG. 5). it is determined whether the staplemode has been turned ON or not in the digital copying machine 1400(master machine) (S2002). When it is determined in this step that thestaple mode is not ON, the processing in step S2006 described below isexecuted. When it is determined that the staple mode is ON, the digitalcopying machine 1400 demands the digital copying machine (slave machine)1410 to report whether any peripheral device is connected thereto or not(S2003).

In response to this demand, the slave digital copying machine 1410 sendsinformation concerning connection of a peripheral equipments to themaster digital copying machine 1400. The digital copying machine 1400then determined whether a finisher 122 is connected or not to the localdevice (master machine) (S2004). When it is determined that the finisher122 is not connected thereto, the digital copying machine 1400 displaysa message on the operation panel 201 mentioning that the copy operationis not possible (S2008) with the system control returned to an initialstep of the operation flow. On the other hand, when it is determinedthat the finisher 122 is connected to the local machine, the digitalcopying machine 1400 determines whether the finisher 122 is connected tothe slave digital copying machine 1410 or not (S2005). If it isdetermined that the finisher 122 is not connected to the slave machine,the message is displayed on the operation panel 201 mentioning that thecopy operation is not possible (S2008) with the system control returnedto an initial step of the operation flow.

When it is determined in step S2005 that the finisher 122 is connectedto the slave digital copying machine 1410, the digital copying machine1400 determines whether there is any other cause disabling a copyoperation (such as paper jamming, open door, or paper end) or not(S2006). When it is determined in this step that there is no specificcause disabling a copy operation, a message mentioning that a copyoperation is possible is displayed on the operation panel 201 (S2007)with the system control returned to an initial step of the operationflow. On the contrary, when it is determined in this step that there isa specific cause disabling a copy operation, a message indicating that acopy operation is not possible is displayed on the operation panel 201(S2008) with the system control returned to an initial step of theoperation flow.

The operations described above are described in more detail below. Theoperations described above are executed when the operating mode ischanged by an operator, or when an engine status (such as information onjamming, information on the door, information on supply (such asrecording paper, or toner) changes. When both the link copy mode andstaple mode are ON, the master machine sends to the slave digitalcopying machine 1410 a request for reporting whether any peripheraldevice is connected to the slave machine or not to check what functionsare available in the slave digital copying machine 1410. Morespecifically, the master digital copying machine 1400 requests the slavedigital copying machine 1410 to check whether the finisher 122 with astapler 130 loaded thereon is available in the slave digital copyingmachine 1410 or not.

When the finisher 122 is present, the staple mode can be executed. Whenthe finisher 122 is not present, the staple mode can not be executed.When the finisher 122 is not present in either one of the master digitalcopying machine 1400 and slave digital copying machine 1410, a messageindicating that a copy operation is not possible is displayed on theoperation panel 201. When the finisher 122 is present in both of themaster and slave machines 1400, 1410, then whether there is any othercause (such as paper has jammed, the door is open, or the paper is notavailable). When it is determined that there is a specific causedisabling a copy operation, a message indicating that a copy operationis not possible is displayed on the operation panel 201. When it isdetermined that there is no specific cause disabling a copy operation, amessage indicating that a copy operation is possible is displayed on theoperation panel 201. FIG. 7 shows an example of display on the operationpanel provided when the link copy mode and staple mode are set in astate where the finisher 122 is not connected to the slave digitalcopying machine 1410.

In the example of operation 1-1 described above, in the state where thelink copy mode has been selected, when a mode which can not be executedin the master machine or slave machine (such as the staple mode) isselected, the link copy operation is inhibited. Because of thisconfiguration, when a user sets a mode which can not be executed in thelink copy mode, generation of a copy mistake can be prevented.

EXAMPLE OF OPERATION 1-2

FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing an example of the link copy mode (1)according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21shows the operations executed when the link copy key 301 is pressed andthe link copy mode is effected. When the link copy mode is set in themaster digital copying machine 1400, the master digital copying machine1400 demands the slave machine 1400 to check whether any peripheraldevice is connected thereto or not (S2101). In response to this request,the slave digital copying machine 1410 sends information concerningconnected of a peripheral equipments to the master digital copyingmachine 1400. The master digital copying machine 1400 determines whetherthe finisher 122 is present in the master digital copying machine 1400or not (S2102). When it is determined that the finisher 122 is notpresent in the master digital copying machine 1400, the master digitalcopying machine 1400 does not display the staple mode key 302 (S2105)with the system control returned to an initial step of the operationflow.

When it is determined in step S2102 that the finisher 122 is present inthe master digital copying machine 1400, the master digital copyingmachine 1400 further determines whether the finisher 122 is present inthe slave machine 1411 or not (S2103). When it is determined in thisstep that the finisher 122 is not present in the slave digital copyingmachine 1410, the staple mode key is not displayed (S2105) with thesystem control returned to an initial step of the operation flow. On thecontrary, when it is determined that the finisher 122 is present in theslave machine 1400, the master digital copying machine 1400 displays thestaple mode key 302 with the system control returned to an initial stepof the operation flow.

Namely when the finisher 122 is present in both of the master digitalcopying machine 1400 and slave digital copying machine 1410, the staplemode key 302 is displayed, and otherwise the staple mode key 302 is notdisplayed. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent a staplemode which can not be executed in the link copy mode from being set.FIG. 8 shows an example of display on the operation panel 201 when thelink copy mode is set in a state where the finisher 122 is connected tothe slave 1410. Before the link copy mode is set, the staple mode key302 is displayed as shown in FIG. 4, but after the link copy mode isset, the staple mode key 302 is not displayed.

In the example of operation 1-2 described above, in the state where thelink copy mode has been selected, when a mode which can not be executedin the master machine or slave machine is selected, a select key for thecorresponding function is not displayed. Because of this configuration,when a user tries to set a mode which can not be executed both in themaster and slave machines 1400, 1410, generation of a mistakes incopying can be prevented, which improves the operability.

EXAMPLE OF OPERATION 1-3

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing an example of the link copy mode (2)according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22shows the operations executed when the link copy key 301 is pressed andthe link copy mode is set. When the link copy mode is set, the masterdigital copying machine 1400 at first demands the slave digital copyingmachine 1410 to report a connection state of a peripheral equipments(S2201). In response to this request, the slave digital copying machine1410 sends to the master digital copying machine 1400 the informationconcerning a connection state of a peripheral equipments. The masterdigital copying machine 1400 determines whether the finisher 122 ispresent in the master digital copying machine 1400 or not (S2202). Whenit is determined that the finisher 122 is not present in the masterdigital copying machine 1400, the master digital copying machine 1400displays a message indicating that the staple mode key 302 is invalid(S2105) with the system control returned to an initial step of theoperation flow.

On the contrary, when it is determined in step S2202 that the finisher122 is present in the master digital copying machine 1400, the masterdigital copying machine 1400 further determines whether the finisher 122is present in the slave digital copying machine 1410 or not (S2203).When it is determined that the finisher 122 is not present in the slavedigital copying machine 1410, the master digital copying machine 1400displays a massage that the staple mode key 302 is invalid (S2205) withthe system control returned to an initial step of the operation flow. Onthe contrary, when it is determined that the finisher 122 is present inthe slave digital copying machine 1410, the master digital copyingmachine 1400 displays a message that the staple mode key 302 is valid(S2204) with the system control returned to an initial step of theoperation flow.

Namely when the finisher 122 is present in both of the master digitalcopying machine 1400 and slave digital copying machine 1410, displayindicating that the staple mode key 302 is valid is provided, andotherwise a message indicating that the staple mode key 302 is invalidis provided. Because of this configuration, it is possible to preventthe staple mode which can not be executed in the link copy mode frombeing set. FIG. 9 shows an example of display on the operation panel 201when the link copy mode is set in the state where the finisher 122 isnot connected to the salve device 1410. Herein by differentiating thestaple mode key 302 from other function keys (with, for instance, ahalf-tone display), invalidity of this key is indicated.

In the example of operation 1-3 described above, in a state where thelink copy mode has been selected, when a mode which can not be executedin a master machine or in a slave machine, invalidity of the select keyfor the corresponding function is displayed. Because of thisconfiguration, when a user tries to set a mode which can not be executedin the link copy mode, generation of a mistake in a copy operation canbe prevented with the operability improved.

EXAMPLE OF OPERATION 1-4

FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing an example of operation (3) in the linkcopy mode according to the first embodiment of the present invention.This figure shows a case where the link copy key 301 is pressed and thelink copy mode is effected. When the link copy mode is set, at first,the digital copying machine (master machine) 1400 demands the slavedigital copying machine 1410 to report whether any peripheral equipmentis connected to the slave digital copying machine 1410 or not (S2301).In response to this request, the slave digital copying machine 1410sends information concerning a connection state of the peripheralequipments to the master digital copying machine 1400. The mastermachine then determines whether the staple mode is ON or not (S2302).When it is determined that the staple mode is ON, the master digitalcopying machine 1400 further determines whether the finisher 122 ispresent in the slave digital copying machine 1410 or not (S2303). Whenit is determined that the finisher 122 is not present in the slavedigital copying machine 1410, the master digital copying machine 1400cancels the staple mode with the system control returned to an initialstep of the operation sequence.

Namely, when the staple mode has been set but the finisher 122 is notpresent in the slave digital copying machine 1410, the staple mode isautomatically canceled. Because of this configuration, the contradictionthat a mode which can not be executed in the link copy mode is set canbe prevented. FIG. 10 shows an example of display on the operation panelwhen the staple mode is independently selected. When the link copy modeis set in a state where the finisher 122 is connected to the slavedigital copying machine 1410, the staple mode is canceled, and thedisplay shown in FIG. 5 is provided.

In the example of operation 1-4 described above, in a state where thelink copy mode has been selected, a mode which can not be executed inthe master machine or slave machine, the link copy mode is automaticallycancelled. Because of this configuration, it never occurs in the linkcopy mode that a user sets a mode which can not be executed in both ofthe master and slave machines, which insures improved operability in thelink copy mode.

A second embodiment of the present invention is described below withreference to FIG. 24 to FIG. 38. Basic configuration of the digitalcopying machine according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention is the same as that according to the first embodiment.Examples of operations of the digital copying machine shown in FIG. 14are described herein.

SET KEYS ON THE OPERATION PANEL AND EXAMPLES OF SCREEN SHIFT

FIG. 24 is an example of a screen when the link copy key 301 is pressedthe link copy mode is set. The screen is switched to a link copy modeset screen as shown in FIG. 24 when the link copy key 301 is pressed inthe state as shown in FIG. 3. The link copy mode set screen is selectedby pressing a link device select key 2400 for each copying machine (8units herein). After selection is made, when the set-end key 2410 ispressed, the screen is switched to that shown in FIG. 25, and the linkcopy mode is set. With this operation, as shown on the screen in FIG.25, the link copy mode is effected, and such functions as auto-darknessselection, auto-paper selection, copying with the same size, and sortingcan be used. The link copy mode is canceled when the link copy key 301is pressed again, and then the screen shown in FIG. 3 is restored.

FIG. 26 shows an example of a screen shown in a state where a size ofrecording paper is manually selected (not through automatic selection bya paper-size detection mechanism). This screen shows that “1” for sizeA4 in the horizontal posture has been manually selected with a manualpaper-size select key 2601. Select keys for special paper (tracingpaper, sheet for OHP, label paper or the like), paper with size A4 inthe vertical posture, recycled paper with size A3 in the verticalposture, and paper size paper-size B5 in the horizontal posture areprepared as manual paper-size select keys 2601.

FIG. 27 shows an example of a screen on which not-available paper-feedstages are displayed with a half brightness degree, and in the case asshown on this screen, a key for special paper with size A4 is displayedwith a half brightness degree. When a user tries to press the keydisplayed with a half brightness degree to select the correspondingfunction, for instance, such a message such as “can not be because thattray is not available” as shown in FIG. 28 is provided as an alarmdisplay.

FIG. 29 shows an example in which, when an operation in the link copymode is started, if supply of recording paper is required in anotherdevice (slave machine) other than an operating device (master machine),the operation is terminated, and a message of, for instance, “refill thepaper in the other machine” is provided as an alarm indicating necessityof supplying recording paper. FIG. 30 is an example of a set screen forswitching an operation in the paper end state. In this example, a levelfor checking a quantity of remaining recording paper is set when theoperation in the link copy mode is started. Namely an option whether aquantity of remaining paper is to be checked or not, and an optionwhether the check for a quantity of remaining paper is to be executed inthe paper-end state, or paper near-end state. Shift to this screen canbe executed by pressing the default settings key 207.

EXAMPLE OF HARDWARE CONFIGURATION OF THE SERIAL COMMUNICATION SECTION

FIG. 31 shows a first example of hardware configuration of a serialinterface for the digital copying machines 1400, 1410. The masterdigital copying machine 1400 and slave digital copying machine 1410 havethe same configuration of that of the digital copying machine describedabove, and are connected to each other pier-to-pier. For convenience ofdescription, herein the devices are differentiated as a master machine(the operating machine in FIG. 24) and a slave machine (corresponding tothe copying machines 1, 4, 7 shown in FIG. 24) respectively.

As shown in FIG. 31, a TxD terminal for receiving serial data and an RxDterminal for receiving serial data in a USAT (universal asynchronousreceiver-transceiver) of a MCU incorporated in the master digitalcopying machine 1400 and slave digital copying machine 1410 respectivelyare connected to each other in the crossed state, so that commandtransaction can be executed between the terminals.

Different from the two serial communication lines described above,another signal line for checking whether power for a device incommunication is ON or not. This signal line is pulled up to Vcc in thedevice in communication, and pulled down in the local device, so that,when power for the device in communication is ON, a value read at aninput port P10 indicates H level, and when power for the device is OFF,a value read at the input port P10 indicates L level. Because of thisconfiguration, each equipment can determine whether power for a devicein communication is ON or not by checking whether an input signal levelat the input port P10 is high (H) or low (L).

FIG. 32 shows a second example of hardware configuration of a serialinterface for the digital copying machines 1400, 1410. In this example,different from the serial communication line described above, two signallines for checking that communications with a device in communicationcan be executed are prepared. With this signal line, an output port P20of a local device is connected to an input port P10 of the device incommunication.

Each device executes various types of processing for initializationafter power thereto is turned ON. In this step, and output level fromthe output port P20 is set at a level L. After this operation, suchoperations as initialization of the URAT and initialization of aninterruption controller are executed. When the device is ready forreceiving serial data, and output level from the output port P20 is setat a level H. With this operation, each device can determine whetherpower for a device in communication is ON or not by checking whether aninput signal level at the input port P10 is high (H) or low (L).

FIG. 33 shows a third example of hardware configuration of a serialinterface for the digital copying machines 1400, 1410 shown in FIG. 14.In this example, signal lines other than the serial communication linedescribed above are omitted for cost reduction. In this example, whethera local device can communication with another device as an object forcommunications can be detected by transacting the communicationconnection check command between the devices.

EXAMPLE OF OPERATION 2-1

FIG. 34 is a flow chart showing an example of operations in the mastermachine when the link copy key is pressed and when a power state in theslave machine changes. At first, when the link copy key 301 is pressedand the link copy mode is set (S3401), the digital copying machine 1400determines whether the link copy mode has been set or not (S3402). Whenit is determined that the link copy mode has been set, the digitalcopying machine (master machine) 1400 determines whether the power ofthe slave digital copying machine 1410 is ON or not (S3403). Whether thepower of the slave machine 1400 is ON or OFF is checked with theconfiguration shown in FIG. 31 or in FIG. 32.

In step S3403, when it is determined that power of the slave digitalcopying machine 1410 is ON (a value read at the input port P10 indicatesa level H), the master digital copying machine 1400 provides a displayof, for instance, “ready” on the operation panel of the master digitalcopying machine 1400 (S3404), while the print key 202 is set in theprint green state. On the contrary, when the master digital copyingmachine 1400 determines that power of the slave machine is OFF (a valueread at the input port P10 indicates a level L), the master digitalcopying machine 1400 provides a display such as “Wait” indicating thatcopying is not possible on the operation panel of the master digitalcopying machine 1400 (S3405), and the print key 202 is set in the printred state.

When a power state for the slave machine 1400 changes during theoperation described above, the operation sequence in step S3402 and onis executed. When the link copy mode is not set, however, the message of“ready” is provided regardless of whether power of the slave machine1400 is ON or OFF, and the print key 202 is set in the print greenstate.

In the example of operation 2-1 described above, when power for theslave machine is OFF, the master machine inhibits operations in the linkcopy mode. Because of this configuration, even when a linked device isat a remote site, whether a link copy operation can be executed or notcan be determined only with the master machine being operated by a userwithout directly checking whether power for the slave machine is ON orOFF, which insures improved operability.

EXAMPLE OF OPERATION 2-2

FIG. 35 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing executed bythe master machine when the link copy key is pressed and when thecommunication-ready state in the slave machine changes. At first, whenthe link copy key 301 is pressed and the link copy mode”is set (S3501),the digital copying machine 1400 determines whether the link copy modehas been set or not (S3502). When it is determined in this step that thelink copy mode has been set, the digital copying machine 1400 (mastermachine) further determines whether the slave digital copying machine1410 is read for communication or not (S3503). Whether the slave machine1400 is ready for communication or not is determined by transacting thecommunication connect command previously set in the configuration shown,for instance, in FIG. 33 between the master and slave machines.

In step S3503, when it is determined that the slave digital copyingmachine 1410 is ready for communication, the master digital copyingmachine 1400 displays a message indicating possibility of a copyoperation on the operation panel (S3504) with the print key 202 set inthe print green state. On the contrary, when it is determined in stepS3505 that the slave digital copying machine 1410 is not ready forcommunication (communication not-ready state), the master digitalcopying machine 1400 displays a message indicating impossibility of acopy operation such as “wait” on the operation panel (S3505) with theprint key 202 set in the print red state.

When the communication ready state in the slave machine changes, theoperation sequence instep S3502 and on is executed. When the link copymode has not been set, however, the master machine displays a message of“ready” on the operation panel regardless of whether the slave machineis ready for communications or not with the print key 202 set in theprint green state.

With the example of operation 2-2, when it is determined that the slavemachine is not ready for communication, the master machine inhibitsoperations in the link copy mode. Because of this configuration, evenwhen a linked device is at a remote site, it is possible to determinewhether a link copy operation can be executed or not with a devicecurrently being operated by a user (master machine) without directlychecking whether the slave machine is ready for communications or not,which insures improved operability in the link copy mode.

EXAMPLE OF OPERATION 2-3

FIG. 36 is a flow chart showing an example of operations by a mastermachine when the link copy key is pressed and when a communication erroris detected. At first, when the link copy key 301 is pressed and thelink copy mode is set in the digital copying machine 1400 (S3601), themaster machine determines whether the link copy mode has been effectedor not (S3602). When it is determined in step S3602 that the link copyhas been effected, the digital copying machine 1400 (master machine)further determines whether a communication error has occurred in theslave digital copying machine 1410 (S3603).

When it is determined in step S3603 that a communication error has notoccurred in the slave digital copying machine 1410, the master digitalcopying machine 1400 displays a message indicating possibility ofcopying such as “ready” (S3604) with the print key 202 set in the printgreen state. On the contrary, when it is determined in step S3606 that acommunication error has occurred in the slave digital copying machine1410, the master digital copying machine 1400 displays a messageindicating impossibility of copying such as “wait” on the operationpanel of the master digital copying machine 1400 (S3605) with the printkey 202 set in the print red state.

When a communication error in the slave digital copying machine 1410 isdetected, the operating sequence in step S3602 and on is executed. Whenthe link copy mode has not been set, however, the master machinedisplays a message indicating possibility of copying such as “ready”with the print key 202 set in the print green state.

In the example of operation 2-3 described above, when a communicationerror occurs in a slave machine, a master machine inhibits a link copyoperation. Because of this configuration, even when a linked device isat a remote site, it is possible to check whether a link copy operationcan be executed or not only with a master machine currently beingoperated by a user and without directly checking whether a communicationerror has occurred in the slave machine or not, and the necessity ofexecuting a copy operation again due to a communication error iseliminated, which insures the operability in the link copy mode.

Processing for Sending a Communication Connection Check Command:

FIG. 37 is a flow chart showing the processing for sending thecommunication connection check command for checking whethercommunications can be executed or not. After power is turned ON, thedigital copying machines 1400, 1410 connected to each other mutuallytransmit the communication connection check command (S3701), wait for500 ms (S3702), and then transmit the communication connection checkcommand. Namely the digital copying machines 1400, 1410 mutuallytransmit a communication connection check command once for every 500 msthrough a serial communication line to each other.

Processing for Receiving the Communication Connection Check Command:

FIG. 38 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing forreceiving the communication connection check command for checkingwhether communications can be executed or not. This processing isexecuted in each of the digital copying machines 1400, 1410. At firstthe digital copying machine determines whether the communicationconnection check command has been received or not (S3801). When it isdetermined in step S3801 that the communication connection check commandhas been received, the digital copying machine resets a timer for timecounting (S3802), and detects the communication ready state (S3803). Onthe other hand, when it is determined that the communication connectioncheck command has not been received for some reason, the digital copyingmachine determines whether one second has passed after the last commandis received or not (S3804), and determines, after one second has passed,that the communication can not be performed (communication not-readystate) (S3805).

A third embodiment is described below with reference to FIG. 39 to FIG.44. Configuration of the digital copying machine according to the thirdembodiment has the same configuration as that of the digital copyingmachine according to the second embodiment. In the third embodiment,operations in the link copy mode for inhibiting selection of the linkcopy mode when power for a slave machine is OFF, when the slave machineis not ready for communication, or when a communication error occurs inthe slave machine. Example of operations of the digital copying machinesystem shown in FIG. 14 is described below.

EXAMPLE OF OPERATION 3-1

FIG. 39 is a flow chart showing the processing executed by the masterdigital copying machine 1400 when the link copy key 301 is pressed, andFIG. 40 is a flow chart showing the processing executed by the mastermachine when a power OFF state in the slave digital copying machine 1410is detected. In FIG. 39, when the link copy key 301 is pressed, themaster digital copying machine 1400 at first determines whether power ofthe slave digital copying machine 1410 is ON or not (S3901), and when itis determined that power of the slave digital copying machine 1410 isON, the master digital copying machine 1400 sets the link copy mode(S3902). When it is determined that power of the slave digital copyingmachine 1410 is OFF (for instance, with the circuit configuration shownin FIG. 31, and FIG. 32), the master digital copying machine 1400cancels the link copy mode (S4001).

In the example of operation 3-1 described above, when power of the slavemachine is OFF, the master machine inhibits selection of the link copymode. Because of this configuration, even when a linked device is at aremove site, it is possible to determined whether a link copy operationcan be executed or not only with the master machine currently beingoperated by a user and without directly checking a power ON/OFF state ofthe slave machine, which insures improved operability in the link copymode. When a mode disabling a link copy operation has been selected,selection of the link copy mode is inhibited, so that it is possible toalert a user before selection of the link copy mode that a link copymode is impossible, which insures further improvement in theoperability.

EXAMPLE OF OPERATION 3-2

FIG. 41 is a flow chart showing the processing executed by a mastermachine when the link copy key 301 is pressed, and FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the master machine when acommunication not-ready state in a slave machine is detected. In FIG.41, when the link copy key 301 is pressed, the master key 1400 at firstdetermines whether the slave digital copying machine 1410 is ready forcommunications or not (S4101). When it is determined in step S4101 thatthe slave machine is ready for communication, the master digital copyingmachine 1400 sets the link copy mode (S4102). When it is determined instep S4101 that the slave machine is not ready for communications, themaster machine cancels the link copy mode (S4201).

In the example of operation 3-2 described above, when it is determinedthat a slave machine is not ready for communications, a master machineinhibits selection of the link copy mode. Because of this configuration,even when a linked device is at a remove site, it is possible todetermined whether a link copy operation can be executed or not onlywith the master machine currently being operated by a user and withoutdirectly checking whether the slave machine is ready for communicationsor not, which insures improved operability in the link copy mode. When alink copy operation is impossible, selection of the link copy mode isinhibited, so that it is possible to alert a user before selection ofthe link copy mode that a link copy operation can not be executed, whichinsures further improved operability in the link copy mode.

EXAMPLE OF OPERATION 3-3

FIG. 43 is a flow chart showing the processing executed by a mastermachine when the link copy key 301 is pressed, and FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the master machine when acommunication error is detected. When the link copy key 301 is pressed,the digital copying machine 1400 at first determines whether acommunication error has occurred or not in the slave digital copyingmachine 1410 (S4301). When it is determined that a communication errorhas not occurred, the digital copying machine 1400 sets the link copymode (S4302). When a communication error is detected during transactionof commands with the slave digital copying machine 1410, the masterdigital copying machine 1400 cancels the link copy mode (step S4401).

In the example of operation 3-4 described above, when a communicationerror occurs in a slave machine, a master machine inhibits selection ofthe link copy mode. Because of this configuration, even when a linkeddevice is at a remove site, it is possible to determine whether a linkcopy operation is possible or not only with the master machine currentlybeing operated by a user and without directly checking whether acommunication error has occurred in the slave machine or not, andfurther the necessity of executing a copy operation again when acommunication error occurs is eliminated, which insures improvedoperability in the link copy mode. In addition, when a link copyoperation is impossible, selection of the link copy mode is inhibited,so that it is possible to alert a user before selection of the link copymode that a link copy operation is not possible, which insured furtherimproved operability in the link copy mode.

The processing for transmitting the communication connection checkcommand and processing for receiving the command in each step are thesame as those shown in FIG. 37 and FIG. 38. Therefore, the contents isnot described here.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention is described with referenceto FIG. 45 to FIG. 51. Configuration of a digital copying machineaccording to the fourth embodiment is the same as that according to thesecond embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, a case where the link copyoperation is started according to a change in a supply state (a state ofrecording paper used for printing, and toner), an error state of a printengine, a state of a display screen, and an operating state of the printengine in a slave machine as an object for a link copy operation isdescribed. Herein, an example of operations of the digital copyingmachine shown in FIG. 14 is described. Processing for sending data on astate of a local machine FIG. 45 is a flow chart showing the processingfor sending data on a state of a local machine to other machine(s) incommunication. This processing is executed in the digital copyingmachines 1400, 1410 respectively. In FIG. 45, at first the digitalcopying machine determines whether any changed has occurred in relationto toner or recording paper in the machine or not, namely where a tonerend/paper end state has occurred in the machine or not (S4501). Apaper-end state in a paper-feed tray, namely in first, second, and thirdtrays 109, 110, and 111 is detected by the sensors (not shown) providedin the digital copying machine. A toner-end state can be detected by atoner sensor (not shown) or a darkness sensor provided in thedevelopment unit 118. The sensor mechanism is well known, and will notbe described here.

When it is determined that a state of supply has changed in the digitalcopying machine, data on the supply state is sent to a digital copyingmachine connected thereto (S4502). After transmission of the data on asupply state, or when it is determined that no change has occurred inthe supply state, the digital copying machine determines whether anychange has occurred in an error state of a print engine (digital copyingmachine) or not (S4503). A print engine error is defined herein as anabnormal state causing influence over a printing operation of the deviceas a whole. Namely the abnormal state as defined herein includesabnormality concerning carriage of recording paper (jamming, or failurein feeding recording paper), abnormality in rotation of a photosensitivedrum 116, abnormality in a fixing unit, and abnormality in apost-processing unit or the like. Abnormalities concerning a scanner oran ADF each not required in the link copy mode is not included in theabnormality as defined herein.

When it is determined in step S4503 that a print engine error hasoccurred, the digital copying machine sends data on the print engineerror (S4504), and further determines whether a display state of ascreen of the operation panel has changed or not (S4505).

When it is determined that a screen display state has changed, thedigital copying machine sends data on the current screen display stateto a digital copying machine connected thereto (S4506). The screendisplay state as defined herein includes but not limited to a initializescreen for setting operating conditions of the device, and a maintenancemode screen (Refer to FIG. 48) for maintenance of the device.

The digital copying machine sends data on the screen display state, andthen determines whether any change has occurred in an operating state ofthe print engine (S4507). When it is determined that an operating stateof the print engine has changed, the digital copying machine sends dataon the operating state of the print engine to a digital copying machineconnected thereto (S4508).

FIG. 46 shows an example of screen display provided when an error hasoccurred in the print engine. The figure shows a case where an error(such as melting down of temperature fuse due to excessive temperaturein fixing, or breakage of a fixing heater) has occurred, and a messageof “The following section is out of order. Please contact a serviceperson. Fixing system SC542) is displayed.

FIG. 47 shows an example of screen display for selection of items andpreset values when the device is initialized. This screen is displayedwhen the initialize key shown in FIG. 2 is pressed, and the normal copyscreen is restored when the end key on the screen is pressed. Thedisplay screen in this figure shows a case where the auto-clear time isset to “60 sec”, preferential paper size selection is “not required” , apreferential tray is set to “Tray 1”, and a limit of sheets to be copiesis set to “50 sheets”.

FIG. 48 shows an example of screen display showing a state where themaintenance mode has been set. A special key dedicated to setting of themaintenance mode is not provided so that a user will not carelessly tryto effect this screen mode, and the screen shift is executed by pressingkeys in the order which seldom occurs in the normal operation. The orderof pressing keys is, for instance, “Mode clear” to “CL/STOP” and then to“#”. The screen display in this figure shows a case where a resistadjustment value is set to “+1.5 mm”, temperature for fixing to “185°C.”, development bias to “550 V”, and magnification in the main scanningdirection to “0.0%” respectively.

Processing for Possibility of a Copy Operation in the Link Copy Mode:

FIG. 49 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing executedwhen the link copy key 301 is pressed. When the link copy key 301 ispressed, the digital copying machine 1400 sets the link copy mode(S4901), and executes the processing for determining whether copying ispossible or not (Refer to FIG. 51). This processing is described indetail later.

FIG. 50 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing executed bya master machine when data on an operating state of a device incommunication is received. At first, the digital copying machine 1400receives data on an operating state of the digital copying machine 1410as a result of the transmission processing shown in FIG. 45 (S5001), andexecutes the processing for determining whether copying is possible ornot (Refer to FIG. 51) (S5002). This processing is described in detaillater.

FIG. 51 is a flow chart showing the processing for determining whethercopying is possible or not (S4902) shown in FIG. 49, while FIG. 50 is aflow chart showing contents of the processing for determining whethercopying is possible or not shown in FIG. 50. In FIG. 51, the digitalcopying machine 1400 at first determines whether there is any reason sothat the machine can not perform the copy operation (S5101). When it isdetermined that local machine can not perform the copy operation, thedigital copying machine 1400 unconditionally displays a messageindicating that copying is not possible on the operation panel (S5108).On the contrary, when it is determined that the local machine canperform the copy operation, the digital copying machine 1400 furtherdetermines whether the link copy mode has been effected or not (S5102).When it is determined that the link copy mode has not been set, thedigital copying machine 1400 displays a message indicating that a copyoperation is possible on the operation panel 201 (S5107).

When it is determined in step S5102 that the link copy mode has beenset, the digital copying machine 1400 further determines whether thedigital copying machine to which the digital copying machine 1400 is tobe connected is in the supply (recording paper, toner) end state or not(S5103). When it is determined that the digital copying machine 1410 isnot in the supply end state, the digital copying machine 1400 furtherdetermines whether the digital copying machine 1410 is in the printengine error state or not (S5104). When it is determined in step S5104that the digital copying machine 1410 is not in the print engine errorstate, the digital copying machine 1400 further determines whether thedigital copying machine 1410 is displaying the normal copy screen or not(S5105). When it is determined that the digital copying machine 1400 isdisplaying the normal copy screen, the digital copying machine 1400further determines whether the print engine of the digital copyingmachine 1400 is operating or not (S5106). When it is determined in thestep above that a print engine of the digital copying machine 1410 isnot operating, the digital copying machine 1400 displays a message of,for instance, “ready” (S5107) on the operation panel.

As described above, in the link copy mode, the digital copying machine1400 successively accesses data on an operating state of the digitalcopying machine 1410, and displays a message indicating possibility ofcopying when the digital copying machine 1410 is not in the supply endor print engine error state and is displaying the normal copy screen,and simultaneously when a print engine of the digital copying machine1410 is not operating. When the digital copying machine 1410 in thesupply end state or the print engine error state, or when the digitalcopying machine 1410 is not displaying the normal copy screen or a printengine thereof is operating, the digital copying machine 1400 displays amessage indicating that copying is not possible on the operation panel201 (S5108).

In the example of operation described above, when it is determined thata slave machine is in the supply end state, a master machine inhibitsthe link copy mode. Because of this configuration, even when a linkeddevice is at a remote site, it is possible to determined whether a linkcopy operation can be executed or not only with the master machinecurrently being operated by a user and without directly checking asupply state in the slave machine, which insures improved operability inthe link copy mode.

In the example of operation described above, when a print engine erroroccurs in a slave machine, a master machine inhibits a link copyoperation, so that it is possible to determined whether a link copyoperation can be executed or not only with the master machine currentlybeing operated by a user and without directly checking a supply state inthe slave machine, which insures improved operability in the link copymode.

In the example of operation described above, when a slave machinedisplays a screen other than the normal display screen, the mastermachine inhibits a link copy operation, so that it is possible todetermined whether a link copy operation can be executed or not onlywith the master machine currently being operated by a user and withoutdirectly checking a supply state in the slave machine, which insuresimproved operability in the link copy mode. Further, a demand forexecution of a link copy operation is not sent during initialization ora maintenance work, so that it is possible to prevent initialization ora maintenance work from being interrupted.

In the example of operation described above, when a print engine of aslave machine is operating, the master machine inhibits a link copyoperation, so that it is possible to determined whether a link copyoperation can be executed or not only with the master machine currentlybeing operated by a user and without directly checking a supply state inthe slave machine, which insures improved operability in the link copymode. Further, as a demand for a link copy operation is not sent fromother devices while a print engine is operating, so that it is possiblefrom a print job in execution from being affected by a request fromother devices.

A fifth embodiment of the present invention is described with referenceto FIG. 53 to FIG. 56. In the fourth embodiment described above, anoperating state of other device in communication is checked in the linkcopy mode, and then a link copy operation is executed, but in this fifthembodiment, such processing as inhibiting selection of the link copymode is executed in response to an operating state of the other devicein communication. The this fifth embodiment, the same processing forsending data concerning an operating state of the local device as thatin the fourth embodiment (Refer to FIG. 45 to FIG. 48) is executed.Herein the processing for sending data concerning an operating state ofthe local machine is not described in detail. An example of operation ofthe digital copying machine shown in FIG. 14 is described below.

EXAMPLE OF OPERATION 5-1

FIG. 52 is a flow chart showing an example of processing executed whenthe link copy key 301 is pressed. When the link copy key 301 is pressedby a user, the digital copying machine 1400 (master machine) at firstdetermines whether a digital copying machine 1410 s an object forlinkage (slave machine) is in the supply (recording paper, toner) endstate or not (S5201). When it is determined that the digital copyingmachine 1410 is not in the supply end state, the digital copying machine1400 further determines whether a print engine error has occurred in thedigital copying machine 1410 or not (S5202). When it is determined thatthe digital copying machine 1410 is not in the print engine error state,the digital copying machine 1400 further determines whether the digitalcopying machine 1410 is displaying the normal copy screen or not(S5203). When the digital copying machine 1410 is displaying the normalcopy screen, the digital copying machine 1400 further determines whethera print engine of the digital copying machine 1410 is operating or not(S5204). When it is determined that a print engine of the digitalcopying machine 1410 is not operating, the digital copying machine 1400sets the link copy mode (S5205).

As described above, when the link copy key 301 is pressed, the digitalcopying machine 1400 determines an operating state of the digitalcopying machine 1410 connected thereto, and sets only in the case wherethe digital copying machine 1410 is not in the supply end state nor inthe print error state, and also where the digital copying machine 1410is displaying is not displaying a screen other than the normal copyscreen and a print engine of the digital copying machine 1410 is notoperating.

FIG. 53 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing executed bythe master machine when data on a supply state of other device incommunication is received. When data concerning availability of a supplyin the digital copying machine 1410 connected to the digital copyingmachine 1400 is deceived, the digital copying machine 1400 at firststored contents of the data (S5301). The digital copying machine 1400then determines whether the digital copying machine 1410 is in thesupply end state or not (S5302), and when it is determined that thedigital copying machine 1410 is in the supply end state, the digitalcopying machine 1400 cancels the link copy mode (S5303).

As described above, when the slave machine is in the supply end state,the master machine inhibits selection of the link copy mode, so thateven when a linked device is at a remote site, it is possible to checkwhether a supply is available or not in the slave machine only with themaster machine currently being operated and without directly checkingavailability of a supply in the slave machine, which insures improvedoperability in the link copy mode. Also selection of the link copy modeis inhibited in a state where a link copy operation is not allowable.Because of this configuration, it is possible to alert a user beforeselection of the link copy mode that a link copy operation is notpossible, which insured further improved operability in the link copymode.

FIG. 54 is a flow chart showing the processing executed by the mastermachine when data concerning a print engine error having occurred inother device in communication is received. When data concerning a printengine error in the digital copying machine 1410 as an object forlinkage is received, the digital copying machine 1400 at first storesthe contents (S5401). The digital copying machine 1400 furtherdetermines whether the digital copying machine 1410 is in the printengine error state or not (S5402), and when it is determined that aprint engine error has occurred in the digital copying machine 1410, thedigital copying machine 1400 cancels the link copy mode (S5403).

As described above, when a slave machine is in the print engine errorstate, a master machine inhibits selection of the link copy mode.Because of this configuration, even when a linked device is at a remotesite, it is possible to determine whether a link copy operation ispossible or not only with the master machine currently being operated bya user and without directly checking whether the slave machine is in theprint engine error state or not, which insures improved operability inthe link copy mode. Further, when a link copy mode is not allowable,selection of the link copy mode is inhibited, so that it is possible toalert user before selection of the link copy mode that a link copyoperation is not possible, which insured further improved operability.

FIG. 55 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing executed bya master machine when data concerning a screen display state of otherdevice in communication is received. When data concerning a screendisplay state of the digital copying machine 1410 is received, thedigital copying machine 1400 at first stores the contents (S5501). Thedigital copying machine 1400 then determines whether the digital copyingmachine is displaying the normal copy screen or not (S5502). When it isdetermined that the digital copying machine 1410 is not displaying thenormal copy screen, the digital copying machine cancels the link copymode (S5503).

As described above, when a slave machine is displaying a screen otherthan the normal display screen, the master machine inhibits selection ofthe link copy mode. Because of this configuration, even when a linkeddevice is at a remove site, it is possible to determine whether a linkcopy operation is possible or not only with the master machine currentlybeing operated by a user and without directly checking a state of adisplay screen of the slave machine, which insures improved operabilityin the link copy mode. When a link copy operation is not allowable,selection of the link copy mode is inhibited. Because of this feature,it is possible to alert a user before selection of the link copy modethat a link copy operation is not possible, which insured furtherimproved operability. In addition, a demand of a link copy operation isnot sent from other device during initialization or a maintenance work,so that the initialization or maintenance work is not interrupted.

FIG. 56 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing executed bythe master machine when data on an operating state of a print engine inthe other device in communication. When data on an operating state of aprint engine of the digital copying machine 1410 as an object forlinkage is received, the digital copying machine 1400 at first storesthe contents (S5601). The digital copying machine 1400 furtherdetermines whether a print engine of the digital copying machine 1410 isoperating or not (S5602), when a print engine of the digital copyingmachine 1410 is operating, the digital copying machine 1400 cancels thelink copy mode (S5603).

As described above, when a print engine of a slave machine is operating,a master machine inhibits selection of the link copy mode. Because ofthis configuration, it is possible to determine whether a link copyoperation is possible or not only with the master machine currentlybeing operated by a user and without directly checking an operatingstate of the slave machine, which insures operability in the link copymode. When a link copy operation is not allowable, selection of the linkcopy mode is inhibited, so that it is possible to alert a user beforeselection of the link copy mode that a link copy operation is notpossible, which insured further improved operability. In addition ademand for a link copy operation is not sent from other device when aprint engine is operating, so that a printing job in executed is notaffected by other devices.

A sixth embodiment of the present invention is described hereinafterwith reference to FIG. 57 to FIG. 67. Configuration of a digital copyingmachine according to the sixth embodiment is the same as that in thethird embodiment. In this sixth embodiment, the link copy mode isautomatically selected based on data concerning a number of sheets to beprinted, a number of sheets of document, a total number of images to beprepared or other factors.

FIG. 57 shows an outline of the operations in an electronic sorting modewhen the link copy mode is set. In this figure, when six copies of adocument comprising three sheets are to be prepared, an operating device(master digital copying machine 1400) and another device (slave digitalcopying machine 1410) prepare and sort three copies of the documentrespectively.

The master digital copying machine 1400 usually executes an operationfor reading a document and an operation for printing the read image.Actually the master machine prints a scanned image as it is, and at thesame time writes the image in a HDD 5700 having the same function asthat of the primary memory 706 described above. After a first print isover, a next image is read out from the HDD 5700 to prepare a secondcopy, and then a third copy is prepared.

The slave digital copying machine 1410 stores an image sent from themaster digital copying machine 1400 in the HDD 5700. After the image isstored, an operation for printing is executed. After the first copy isprinted, second and third copies are prepared successively. In the casedescribed above, a half of a specified number of copies are prepared byeach of the master and slave machines, but the allotment can freely beset, and even when a printing operation is interrupted in either one ofthe devices, a number of sheets for printing allocated to each devicecan easily be changed. In addition, a number of remaining copies to beprepared can be changed during interruption of the printing operation.

FIG. 58 shows an example of a setting screen of detail functionsdisplayed when the concentrate key is pressed. On this screen, theconcentrate mode for copying images of two sheets or four sheets ofdocument can be set. FIG. 59 shows an example of a screen display when acopy operation is automatically linked in the link copy mode. In thisexample, 500 sheets of set documents are being copied in the link copymode with the message of “Copy in progress. Copying after automaticallylinking” being displayed thereon.

Operations for Setting/Canceling the Link Copy Mode:

FIG. 60 is a flow chart showing an example of the processed executedwhen the link copy key 301 is pressed. When the link copy key 301 ispressed by a user, the digital copying machine determines whether thelink copy mode has been set or not (S6001). When it is determined thatthe link copy mode has not been set, the digital copying machine setsthe link copy mode (S6002), displays the link copy key 301 in thereverse video, and displays a message indicating that the link copy modehas been selected. When it is determined that the link copy mode hasbeen set, the digital copying machine cancels the link copy mode whenthe link copy key 301 is pressed (S6003). Further, the digital copyingmachine cancels the inverted display of the link copy key 301 anddisplays a message that the link copy mode has been canceled.

EXAMPLE OF OPERATIONS OF A MASTER MACHINE

FIG. 61 is a flow chart showing a first example of operations executedby a master digital copying machine 1400 in the link copy mode when astart key 202 is pressed. The master digital copying machine 1400 atfirst resets the automatic linkage flag (S6101), and determines whetherthe link copy mode has been set or not (S6102). If the link copy modehas not been set, the master digital copying machine 1400 determineswhether a number of set sheets is more than a specified value (three inthis case) or not (S6103).

When it is determined that a number of set sheets is more than aspecified value, the master digital copying machine 1400 sets the linkcopy mode (S6104), and set the automatic linkage flag (S6105). After theautomatic linkage flat is set, or when it is determined in step S6102that the link copy mode has not been set, or when it is determined instep S6103 that a number of set sheets is less than a specified value,the master digital copying machine 1400 reads the document (S6106), andstores the image in the HDD 5700 (S6107).

The master machine then determines whether the link copy mode has beenset or not (S6108). When it is determined that the link copy mode hasbeen set, the master machine 1400 reads the image from the HHD 5700, andsends the image data to the slave digital copying machine 1410 (S6109).The master digital copying machine 1400 then determines whether thedocument has completely been read or not (S6110), and when it isdetermined that the document has completely been read, the masterdigital copying machine 1400 prints (copies) the image stored in the HDD5700 onto recording paper. The master machine then determines whetherthe printing job is over or not (S6112), and when it is determined thatthe printing job is over, the master machine 1400 further determineswhether the automatic linkage flag has been set or not (S6113). When itis determined that the automatic linkage flag is set, the master digitalcopying machine 1400 cancels the link copy mode (S6114).

As described above, when a number of set sheets to be copied is morethan a specified value, namely when a long time is required forformation of a series of images, the link copy mode is automaticallyset, which insures improved productivity in printing. Further, the linkcopy mode is automatically effected even to a user who does not know thefunction for link copy mode, so that the print processing with highproductivity can be executed.

When the link copy mode is automatically executed and a copy job isfinished, the link copy mode is automatically canceled, and a statebefore start of the print job is automatically restored. Because of thisconfiguration, it is possible to prevent a linked device from beingoccupied for a long time.

SECOND EXAMPLE OF OPERATION OF MASTER MACHINE

FIG. 62 is a flow chart showing a second example of operations executedby the master machine when the start key 202 is pressed. In FIG. 62, themaster digital copying machine 1400 at first resets the automaticlinkage flag (S6201), reads a document (S6202), and then stores theimage in the HDD 5700 (S6203). The master digital copying machine 1400then determines whether the document has completely been read or not(S6204), and when it is determined that the document has completely beenread, the master machine 1400 further determines whether the link copymode has been set or not (S6205). When it is determined that the linkcopy mode has been set, the master digital copying machine 1400 executesthe processing in step S6210. On the other hand, when it is determinedthat the link copy mode has not been set, the master digital copyingmachine 1400 executes the processing for determining whether conditionsfor operations in the link copy mode are satisfied or not (Refer to FIG.63 to FIG. 65) (S6206), and determines whether the conditions foroperation in the link copy mode have been established or not (S6207).

When it is determined in step S6207 that the conditions for operationsin the link copy mode have been established, the master digital copyingmachine 1400 sets the link copy mode (S6208), and sets the automaticlinkage flag (S6209). The master digital copying machine 1400 thendetermines whether the link copy mode has been set or not (S6210). Whenit is determined that the link copy mode has been set, the masterdigital copying machine 1400 sends the image stored in the HDD 5700 tothe slave digital copying machine 1410 for execution of printing(S6211). Further, the master digital copying machine 1400 prints(copies) the image stored in the HDD 577 on recording paper (S6212).Thus a printing job is shared by the master digital copying machine 1400and slave digital copying machine 1410. The master digital copyingmachine 1400 then determines whether the printing job has completelybeen finished or not (S6213), and when it is determined that theprinting job has completely been finished, the master digital copyingmachine 1400 further determines whether the automatic linkage flag hasbeen set or not (S6214). When it is determined that the automaticlinkage flag has been set, the master digital copying machine 1400cancels the link copy mode (S6215).

Examples 1 to 3 of processing for determining whether the conditions foroperations in the link copy mode in step S6206 are described below withreference to FIG. 63 to FIG. 65.

EXAMPLE 1 OF THE PROCESSING FOR AUTOMATICALLY DETERMINING WHETHERCONDITIONS FOR OPERATIONS IN THE LINK COPY MODE HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED ORNOT

FIG. 63 is a flow chart showing example 1 of the processing fordetermining whether conditions for operations in the link copy mode havebeen established or not in the step S6206 above. In this example 1, acriteria for determining whether the conditions for operations in thelink copy mode or not is a number of sheets of document.

In FIG. 63, the master machine at first determines whether a number ofsheets of document is more than a specified value (five sheets in thiscase) or not (S6301). When it is determined that a number of sheets ofdocument is five sheets or more, the master machine 140 determines thatthe conditions for operations in the link copy mode has beenestablished, and displays a message indicating that “automatic linkageis to be realized” on the operation panel 201 (S6302). On the otherhand, when it is determined that a number of sheets of document is lessthan “5”, the master digital copying machine 1400 determines that theconditions for operations in the link copy mode have not beenestablished, and displays a message indicating that “automatic linkageis not to be realized” on the operation panel 201 (S6303).

As described above, when a number of sheets of document is more than aspecified value, namely when it is expected that a long time is requiredto form a series of images, the link copy mode is set, which insuresimproved productivity in printing. Further, even to a user who does notknow a function for printing in the link copy mode, the link copy modeis automatically effected, which makes it possible to realize the printprocessing with high productivity.

EXAMPLE OF THE PROCESSING FOR AUTOMATICALLY DETERMINING WHETHERCONDITIONS FOR OPERATIONS IN THE LINK COPY MODE HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED ORNOT

FIG. 64 is a flow chart showing the processing for automaticallydetermining whether conditions for operations in the link copy mode havebeen established or not in step S6201 described above. In this example 2of the processing, a criteria for determining whether the conditions foroperations in the link copy mode is a total number of images.

In FIG. 64, the master digital copying machine 1400 at first calculatesa total number of images (=a number of sheets of document×a number ofset sheets) (S6401), and determines whether the total number of imagesis more than a prespecified value (10 in this example) or not (S6402).When it is determined that the total number of images is “10” or more,the master digital copying machine 1400 determines that the conditionsfor operations in the link copy mode are satisfied, and displays amessage that the “link copy operation is to be realized” on theoperation panel 201 (S6403). When it is determined that the total numberof images is less than “10”, the master digital copying machine 1400does not set the link copy mode, and displays a message that the “linkcopy operation is not to be realized” on the operation panel 201(S6403).

As described above, when a total number of images is not less than aprespecified value, namely, when it is expected that a long time isrequired for forming a series of images, the link copy mode isautomatically set, so that the link copy mode is set on accurateconditions, which insures improved productivity in printing. Further,even to a user who does not know a function for the link copy mode, thelink copy mode is automatically effected, which makes it possible torealize the print processing with high productivity.

EXAMPLE 3 OF THE PROCESSING FOR AUTOMATICALLY DETERMINING WHETHERCONDITIONS FOR OPERATIONS IN THE LINK COPY MODE HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED ORNOT

FIG. 65 is a flow chart showing the example 3 of the processing forautomatically determining whether conditions for operations in the linkcopy mode have been established or not. In this example 3 of theprocessing, a criteria for automatically determining whether conditionsfor operations in the link copy mode have been established or not is atotal number of operation for image formation.

In FIG. 65, the master digital copying machine 1400 at first calculatesa total number of operations required for image formation (=a number ofsheets of document×a number of set sheets/a number of sheets of documentper one image-formation surface (S6501), and determines whether a totalnumber of operations for image formation is more than a prespecifiedvalue (10 in this example) or not (S6502). When it is determined thatthe total number of operations is “10” or more, the master machinedetermines that conditions for operations in the link copy mode aresatisfied, and displays a message that the “link copy operation is to berealized” on the operation panel 201 (S6503). When it is determined thatthe total number of operations for image formation is less than 10, themaster digital copying machine 1400 determines that the conditions forthe link copy mode are not satisfied, and displays a message that the“link copy operation is not to be realized” (S6403). This determinationis useful for instance in the concentrate mode described above.

As described above, when a total number of operations required for imageformation is not less than a prespecified value, namely when it isexpected that a long time is required for forming a series of images,the link copy mode is automatically set. Because of this configuration,when the conditions for the link copy mode correspond to the concentratemode, a printing job can be executed more accurately with highproductivity. Further, even to a user who does not know a function forthe link copy mode, the link copy mode is automatically effected, whichmakes it possible to realize the print processing with highproductivity.

Operations of a Slave Machine:

FIG. 66 is a flow chart showing an example of operations executed by aslave machine in the link copy mode. In FIG. 66, at first the slavedigital copying machine 1410 receives an image from the master 1400(S6601), and stores the received image in the HDD 5700 (S6602). Theslave digital copying machine 1410 then determines whether all of thedocuments to be printed have completely been read or not (S6603). Whenit is determined that images for the document have completely be read,the slave digital copying machine 1410 reads out the images stored inthe HDD 5700, and executes printing (S6604). The slave digital copyingmachine 1410 then determines whether all of the required images havebeen printed or not (S6605), and repeats the processing described aboveuntil all of the images are printed.

EXAMPLE OF A DISPLAY INDICATING THAT THE LINK COPY HAS BEEN SET

FIG. 67 is a flow chart showing an example of an operation foroutputting the automatic linkage display screen shown in FIG. 59. InFIG. 67, the master digital copying machine 1400 determines whether theautomatic linkage flag is ON or not (S6701). When it is determined thatthe automatic linkage flag is ON, the master digital copying machine1400 displays a message of, for instance, “Automatically linked” on theoperation panel (S6702) (Refer to FIG. 59). When the automatic linkageflag is OFF, the master digital copying machine 1400 deletes the messageof “Automatically linked” on the operation panel 201 (S6703).

With this display control, a user can confirm that an operation in thelink copy mode is automatically started. Further, when printed paper istaken out from the discharge paper tray, the necessity of taking outrecording paper from a discharge paper tray in a linked device isalerted to the user, so that such a mistake as leaving printed paperleft in a device for a long time can be prevented. When a printing jobin the link copy mode is over, a state before start of the job isautomatically restored, so that it is possible to prevent a linkeddevice from being occupies by another device for along time.

A seventh embodiment of the present invention is described below withreference to FIG. 68 to FIG. 72. In the fourth embodiment of the presentinvention, digital copying machines connected to each other (a mastermachine and a slave machine) send the data related to their operatingstate to each other. In the seventh embodiment, only a slave machinesends data on an operating state thereof to a master machine.

FIG. 68 is a flow chart showing operations executed by a digital copyingmachine when the link copy key 301 is pressed. In FIG. 68, when the linkcopy key 301 is pressed, the digital copying machine determines whetherthe link copy mode has been set or not (step S6801). When it isdetermined that the link copy mode has not been set, the digital copyingmachine starts functioning as a master machine in response to pressingof the link copy key 301 (S6802), and sends a request for shift to thelink copy mode to another device to be linked thereto (a slave machine)(step S6803) with the system control returned to an initial stage of theoperating sequence.

When it is determined in step S6801 that the link copy mode has been setwith the local device having been as a master machine, the digitalcopying machine turns OFF the link copy mode (step S6804), and sends arequest for canceling the link copy mode to the device in communication(slave machine) (step S6805) with the system control returned to aninitial step of the operating sequence when the local machine is a slavemachine the system control is returned to the initial step.

Operations executed when a digital copying machine receives a requestfor shift to the link copy mode is described below with reference toFIG. 69. FIG. 69 is a flow chart showing operations executed by adigital copying machine when a request for shift to the link copy modeis received by the digital copying machine. In FIG. 69, when the digitalcopying machine receives a request for shift to the link copy mode froma master machine, the digital copying machine sets the link copy mode(step S6901) with the system control returned to an initial step of theprocessing sequence. With this operation, this digital copying machinestarts functioning as a slave machine.

FIG. 70 is a flow chart showing operations executed by a slave machinewhen the slave machine receives a request for canceling the link copymode from a master machine. In FIG. 70, when the slave machine receivesa request for canceling the link copy mode from the master machine, theslave machine cancels the link copy mode (step S7001) with the systemcontrol returned to an initial step of the processing sequence.

FIG. 71 is a flow chart showing operations executed by a digital copyingmachine when the operating state of the digital copying machine changes.In FIG. 71, when the operating state of a digital copying machinechanges, the digital copying machine determines whether the machine hasbeen specified as a slave machine with link copy mode ON or not (stepS7101). When it is determined that the digital copying machine has beenspecified as a slave machine and the link copy mode is ON, the slavemachine executes the same processing for sending data on an operatingstate of the device as that shown in FIG. 45 (step S7102) with thesystem control returned to an initial step of the processing sequence.More specifically, data concerning a supply state is sent when a stateof supply (such as toner or recording paper with a required size)changes, data on a print engine error when a print engine error occurs,data on a screen display state when a screen display state changes, andan operating state of a print engine when an operating state of a printengine changes to the master machine respectively. Otherwise (when thedigital copying machine is specified as a master machine with the linkcopy mode ON, or when the link copy mode has not been set), the digitalcopying machine returns the system control in step S7101 to an initialstep of the processing sequence.

FIG. 72 is a flow chart showing operations executed by the mastermachine when the master machine receives data concerning an operatingstate of a slave machine.

In FIG. 72, when the master machine receives data on an operating stateof a slave machine from the slave machine, the master machine determineswhether the slave machine is ready for operations in the link copy modeor not (step S7201). When it is determined that the slave machine is notready for operations in the link copy mode, the master machine turns OFFthe link copy mode (step S7202), and sends a request for canceling thelink copy mode to the slave machine (step S7203) with the system controlreturned to an initial step of the processing sequence. When it isdetermined that the slave machine is ready for operations in the linkcopy mode, the master machine returns a system control to an initialstep of the processing sequence in step S7201.

In the seventh embodiment, only a slave machine sends data on anoperating state of the slave machine to a master machine, andtransmission of data on an operating state of a master machine is notrequired, which saves unnecessary operations in communication. Namely, aslave machine is not required to check an operating state of a mastermachine, which insured improved operability.

An eighth embodiment of the present invention is described below. In thefourth embodiment, a digital copying machine functioning as a mastermachine determines whether a link copy operation is possible or not. Inthe eighth embodiment, a slave machine determines whether a link copyoperation is possible or not.

FIG. 73 is a flow chart showing operations executed by a digital copyingmachine when the link copy key 301 is pressed. In FIG. 73, when the linkcopy key 301 is pressed, the digital copying machine determines whetherthe link copy mode has been set or not (step S7301). When it isdetermined that the link copy mode has not been set, the digital copyingmachine sends a request for shift to the link copy mode to a device incommunication as an object for linkage (slave machine) to set the linkcopy mode in response to pressing of the link copy key 301 (step S7302)with the system control returned to an initial step of the processingsequence.

When it is determined in step S7301 that the link copy mode has been setwith the local device specified as a master machine, the digital copyingmachine sends a request for canceling the link copy mode to a device incommunication as an object for linkage (slave machine) to cancel thelink copy mode in response to pressing of the link copy key 301 (stepS7303) with the system control returned to an initial step of theprocessing sequence.

FIG. 74 is a flow chart showing operations executed by a digital copyingmachine when the digital copying machine receives a request for shift tothe link copy mode. In FIG. 74, when a request for shift to the linkcopy mode, the digital copying machine determines whether shift to thelink copy mode is possible or not (step S7401). More specifically, thedigital copying machine determines whether shift to the link copy modeis possible or not by checking whether the device is in the supply(recording paper, toner) end state or not, whether the device is in theprint engine error or not, whether the device is displaying the normalcopy screen or not, or whether a print engine of the device is normallyoperating or not. The digital copying machine determines that shift tothe link copy mode is possible when the device is not in the supply endstate, nor in the print engine error state, and when the device isdisplaying the normal copy screen and a print engine of the device isnot operating. When any one of the conditions that the device is in thesupply end state or in the print engine error state, that the device isnot displaying the normal copy screen, and that a print engine of thedevice is operating is satisfied, the digital copying machine determinesthat shift to the link copy mode is not possible.

When it is determined that shift to the link copy mode is possible, thedigital copying machine sets the link copy mode and stars functioning asa slave machine (step S7402), and sends a message indicating thepossibility of shift to the link copy mode to the digital copyingmachine having sent a request for shift to the link copy mode (stepS7403) with the system control returned to an initial step of theprocessing sequence. When it is determined in step S7401 that shift tothe link copy mode is not possible, the digital copying machine sends amessage indicating impossibility of shift to the link copy mode to thedigital copying machine having sent to the request for shift to the linkcopy mode.

FIG. 75 is a flow chart showing operations executed when a digitalcopying machine having sent a request for shift to the link copy modereceives a message indicating possibility of shift to the link copy modefrom a slave machine. In FIG. 75, when a digital copying machine havingsend a request for shift to the link copy mode receives a messageindicating possibility of shift to the link copy mode from a slavemachine, the digital copying machine sets the link copy mode and startsfunctioning as a master machine (step S7501) with the system controlreturned to an initial step of the processing sequence.

FIG. 76 shows operations executed when a master machine having sent arequest for canceling the link copy mode receives a message indicatingpossibility of canceling the link copy mode from a slave machine. When amaster machine sends a request for canceling the link copy mode to aslave machine, the slave machine determines whether the link copy modecan be canceled in the device or not, and returns the result ofdetermination to the master machine. In FIG. 76, when the master machinereceives the message indicating possibility of canceling the link copymode from the slave machine (step S7601), the master machine cancels thelink copy mode (step S7601) with the system control returned to aninitial step of the processing sequence.

In the eighth embodiment, a slave machine determines whether a link copyoperation is possible or not, the slave machine is not required to senddata concerning an operating state of the device to the master machine,which insures improved efficiency in communications.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Terms relating to a digital copying machine and used in thisspecification are explained below.

“Image reading unit (Image reading section)”: As a “image reading unit”used in a digital PPC, there has been known which has a function forexecuting the “required image processing” by irradiating a light onto adocument and converting the reflected light from the document with acharge coupled device to an electric signal. The “required imageprocessing” as defined herein includes such processing as digitizing(converting analog data converted by a CCD to two-valued or multi-valueddata), shading correction (correction of non-uniformity in lightirradiated to a document or in sensitivity of the CCD), MMT correction(correction of ambiguousness caused in an optical system), processingfor changing an image size (processing for data interpolation bychanging read density for an image and using the read image data).

“Image formation section”: An “image formation section” used in adigital PPC is a device for converting an image sent as an electricsignal to a visual image with such a means as electronic photography,heat-sensing, thermal transfer, or ink-jet on ordinary paper orheat-sensing paper.

“Video signal”, image data”: An electric signal for an image convertedby the image forming unit described above, an electric signal for animage inputted into the image formation section, and a signal forestablishing synchronism to an electric signal for an image aregenerically expressed as “video signal” or “image data”.

“Control signal”, “Command”: To transact a video signal among, “imageformation units”, “image formation sections”, and “applications”, it isnecessary to deliver information between the devices. The means isexpressed as a “control signal” or “command” issuing.

“Extended function”, “application”, “memory function”, “memory unit”: Animportant feature of the digital PPC is the capability of reading animage as an electric signal and reproducing the electric signal as avisual image with an image formation apparatus. The digital PPC has thecapability of changing and delivering the read electric signal invarious ways, which insures applications in many fields other than ananalog PPC. With the digital PPC, such functions as facsimile, a pageprinter, a scanner, a file system can be realized, and in recent years,when executing the PPC function, for instance, it is possible even tostore read image data in a memory such as a DRAM once and prepare aplurality of copies with one scan when a plurality of copies of an imageare required, or to print a plurality of document on one sheet ofrecording paper (this function is described as memory functionhereinafter). This function which can be realized only with the digitalPPC system is expressed as the “extended function” or “application”. Thememory unit is also used as a buffer unit for transferring image databetween devices on a network.

“System controller”, “System”: Controllers providing controls over theprocessing for carrying paper, the electronic photography, monitoring ofabnormal state or a state of a paper-feed cassette (presence ofrecording paper or the like), and operations for controlling operationsof a scanner, an ON/OFF state of a light source or the like to read animage with an image formation section are generically described assystem controller. In recent years, not only one extended function, buta plurality of applications are loaded in a digital PPC. Sometimes PPCssharing one resource are expressed as a “system”, and a controller whichcontrols the system is expressed as “system controller”.

“Resources”: A functional unit shared by a plurality of applications isdescribed as a “resource”. The “system controller” provides systemcontrol with this resource unit. Resources managed in the PPC accordingto the present invention include the “image reading unit”, “imageformation section”, “operation panel”, “memory”, and “peripheraldevices” (such as an AFD, a sorter, an automatic two-side copying unit,a stapler 130, a finisher 122).

“User limiting”: Especially in the PPC using the electronic photographyprocess, sometimes it is desired to limit users who can use the deviceto prevent supplies from being wasted. To identify, limit, and mages theusers, such “user limiting units” as a coin lack, a key counter, akey-card, a prepaid card, and user code are used.

“Setting for each user”: In case of a complicated system, sometimes itis required to customize the system for satisfying discrete needs ofeach user. It is impossible to set each machine discretely, when shippedfrom a factory, for satisfying needs of each user, so that services foreach user are required in the market. Generally each machine has anonvolatile RAM, which enables customization of the system. Thisfunction is expressed as “setting for each user”.

“Idle state”: A state where a machine is not operated by a user for aprespecified period of time” is expressed as “idle state”, and a stateother than the idling state is described as “busy state”. A timerequired from the busy state to the idle state can be set discretely byeach user. Not only during a copy operation, but also even when a copyoperation is over, the busy state is not switched to the idling statebefore a state in which the machine is not operated by the user passes aprespecified period of time.

“Weekly timer”: This function is used to turn ON/OFF power according toan ON/OFF time set for each day of a week.

“Preliminary heating”: A mode for reducing power consumption by loweringtemperature for fixing by a specified degree (for instance 10° C.) toturn OFF displays on an operation panel. This mode is automatically setwhen a prespecified period of time passes after a key entry on anoperation panel is over, or after an operation or user's manipulation isover in some machines. This mode is automatically canceled when a usermakes an key-entry on the operation panel, or when presence of anoperator is detected by a human body sensor.

“Reload”: When a copying machine is in a state where temperature forfixing reaches a preset degree of temperature enabling fixing and a copyoperation can be performed, the state is described as “reload”.

“Interruption mode”: In this mode, a user can temporally terminate acopy operation being made by another user and copy a document which theuser specifies. When this mode is set, the previous copy mode beforespecification of this mode or data on a copy operation which isforcefully terminated upon interruption is stored in a nonvolatile RAMto effect the interruption mode, and the operating mode is initialized.When the interruption mode is canceled after execution of a copyoperation, the mode or data stored in the nonvolatile RAM is read out torestore the state before the interruption mode is set, and the operatingmode is restarted when the start key is pressed again. This mode is setor canceled with a key on the operation panel 201.

“Reservation mode”: In this mode, a plurality of copy applications arestarted concurrently, and the system controller controls the resources.When one copy application is being executed and an operation panel or animage reading unit is not being used by other user, use of another copyapplication is allowed for executing a specified operation or reading adocument.

“CSS” (or “Remote diagnosis system”, “digital copying machine managementsystem”): FIG. 19 shows configuration of a digital copying machinemanagement system. A management unit 1003 installed at a service pointand equipment such as a PPC 100 at a user site are connected to eachother through a public line network 1002. A communication control unit1001 for controlling communications with the management unit 1003 isprovided at the user site, and the PPC 1000 at the user site isconnected to this communication control unit 1001. A telephone or afacsimile machine can be connected to this communication control unit1001, and the communication control unit is connected to a line alreadyinstalled at the user site. A plurality of PPC can be connected to thecommunication control unit 1001, but sometimes only one unit of PPC isconnected thereto.

Types of the PPCs connected to the same communication unit 1001 may bedifferent from each other, and further equipment other than the PPC canbe connected to the communication control unit 1001. It is assumedherein for convenience of description that up to five units of PPC canbe connected to one unit of communication control unit. Thecommunication control unit and a plurality of PPCs are connected to eachother in the multi-drop mode based on the RS-485 standard.Communications between the communication control unit and each PPC iscontrolled according to the basic type of data transfer controlprotocol. Communication between the communication control unit and anyof the PPCs is enabled by establishing a data link based on thepolling/selecting system under centralized control. In this controlmode, the communication control unit functions as a control station. Ineach PPC, specific values can be set with an address set switch, andwith this operation, a polling address and a selecting address for eachPPC is decided.

“Reservation copy”: In the “Reservation copy” mode, a plurality of copyapplications are simultaneously started, and each application isexecuted discretely. Operation of an operation panel, peripheraldevices, an image writing section, an image reading unit, and a memory,which are shared resources, are arbitrated by the system controller.Data for an operation screen for each of the plurality of copyapplication can be written on a virtual screen provided by the operationpanel. The operation panel develops screen data of a virtual screen foran operation panel owner application specified by the system controlleron the real screen.

“Reservation of an operation”: In the state of a reservation of anoperation, a copy operation can not be started when such an operation asheating for fixing is being executed. With this function, it is possibleto automatically start a copy operation after heating for fixing isfinished and when a copy operation is enabled. In this embodiment,heating for fixing is one of operations which can be subscribed, butother operations which are automatically enabled in association withpassage of time are qualified to be subscribed. The operations includean operation for raising an LCT tray, staple rotation of a polygonmotor, and a toner supply operation.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above,and can be carried out modifying it according to the necessity within agist of the invention. For instance, description of the aboveembodiments assumes use of two units of digital copying machinesconnected to each other (Refer to FIG. 14), but a number of digitalcopying machines connected to each other is not limited to two units,and three or more units of digital copying machine may be connected toeach other for a copy operation in the link copy mode. In this case, oneunit of digital copying machine functions as a master machine, and othertwo units of digital copying machine function as slave machines.

As described above, with the image formation apparatus (master machine)according to the present invention, in a state where a link copy modehas been selected, when a function which can not be executed in a localdevice or in other image formation apparatus is selected, a link copyoperation is inhibited. Because of this feature, when a user sets anoperation mode which can not be executed in both of master and slavemachines concurrently in a state where the link copy mode has been set,generation of a mistake in a copy operation can be prevented.

With the image formation apparatus (slave machine) according to thepresent invention, a function available in a local device is reported toother image formation apparatus, and an image of a document read by andtransferred from the other image formation apparatus is printed in thelocal machine. Because of this feature, when a user sets an operationmode which can not be executed in both of master and slave machinesconcurrently in a state where the link copy mode has been set,generation of a mistake in a copy operation can be prevented.

With the image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports a function available in the slave machine to amaster machine, and in a state where the link copy mode has beenselected, when a function which can not be executed in the local machineor the slave machine is selected, the master machine inhibits the linkcopy operation. Because of this feature, when a user sets an operationmode which can not be executed in both of master and slave machinesconcurrently in a state where the link copy mode has been set,generation of a mistake in a copy operation can be prevented.

With the image formation apparatus (master machine) according to thepresent invention, in a state where the link copy mode has beenselected, when a function which can not be executed in the local machineor other image formation apparatus is selected, a select key forselecting the function is not displayed. Because of this feature, when auser sets an operation mode which can not be executed in both of masterand slave machines concurrently in a state where the link copy mode hasbeen set, generation of a mistake in a copy operation can be prevented.

With the image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports a function available in the slave machine to amaster machine, and in a state where the link copy mode has beenselected, when a function which can not be executed in the mastermachine or in the slave machine, the master machine does not display theselect key for selecting the function. Because of this feature, when auser sets an operation mode which can not be executed in both of masterand slave machines concurrently in a state where the link copy mode hasbeen set, generation of a mistake in a copy operation can be prevented.

With the image formation apparatus according to the present invention,in a state where the link copy mode has been selected, when a functionwhich can not be executed in the local machine or other image formationapparatus is selected, a display indicating that the select key forselecting the function is invalid is displayed. Because of this feature,when a user sets an operation mode which can not be executed in both ofmaster and slave machines concurrently in a state where the link copymode has been set, generation of a mistake in a copy operation can beprevented.

With the image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports a function available in the slave machine to amaster machine, and in a state where the link copy mode has beenselected, when a function which can not be executed in the mastermachine or in the slave machine, the master key displays a messageindicating that the select key for selecting the function is invalid.Because of this feature, when a user sets an operation mode which cannot be executed in both of master and slave machines concurrently in astate where the link copy mode has been set, generation of a mistake ina copy operation can be prevented.

With the image formation apparatus according to the present invention,in a state where the link copy mode has been selected, when a functionwhich can not be executed in the local machine or in other imageformation apparatus(es) is selected, the mode for executing the functionis canceled. Because of this feature, a user can not set a mode whichcan not be executed in both of the master and slave machinesconcurrently, which insures improved operability in the link copy mode.

With the image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports a function available in the slave machine to amaster machine, and in a state where the link copy mode has beenselected, when a function which can not be executed in the mastermachine or in the slave machine is selected, the master machine cancelsthe mode for executing the function. Because of this feature, a user cannot set a mode which can not be executed in both of the master and slavemachines concurrently, which insures improved operability in the linkcopy mode.

With the image formation apparatus according to the present invention,the function includes a staple function. Because of this feature, thestaple function can advantageously be used in addition to the advantagesdescribed above. 11 With the image formation system according to thepresent invention, the function includes a staple function. Because ofthis feature, the staple function can advantageously be used in additionto the advantages described above.

With the image formation apparatus (master machine) according to thepresent invention, in a state when the link copy mode has been selected,when power for other image formation apparatus is OFF, the link copyoperation is inhibited. Because of this feature, even when a linkeddevice is at a remote site, it is possible to check whether a copyoperation is possible or not only with the master machine currentlybeing operated by a user and without directly checking an ON/OFF stateof power for the slave machine, which insures improved operability inthe link copy mode.

With the image formation apparatus (slave machine) according to thepresent invention, a local machine reports a power ON/OFF state in thelocal machine to other image formation apparatus, and prints an image ofa document read by and transferred from other image formation apparatus.Because of this feature, even when a linked device is at a remote site,it is possible to check whether a copy operation is possible or not onlywith the master machine currently being operated by a user and withoutdirectly checking an ON/OFF state of power for the slave machine, whichinsures improved operability in the link copy mode.

With the image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports a power ON/OFF state in the slave machine to amaster machine, and the master machine inhibits the link copy operationwhen the link copy mode is selected and a power for the slave machine isOFF. Because of this feature, even when a linked device is at a remotesite, it is possible to check whether a copy operation is possible ornot only with the master machine currently being operated by a user andwithout directly checking an ON/OFF state of power for the slavemachine, which insures improved operability in the link copy mode.

With the image formation apparatus (master machine) according to thepresent invention, in a state where the link copy mode has beenselected, when the other image formation apparatus are not ready forcommunications, the link copy operation is inhibited. Because of thisfeature, even when a linked device is at a remote site, it is possibleto check whether a copy operation is possible or not only with themaster machine currently being operated by a user and without directlychecking an ON/OFF state of power for the slave machine, which insuresimproved operability in the link copy mode.

With the image formation apparatus (slave machine) according to thepresent invention, a local machine reports a communication-ready statein the local machine to other image formation apparatus, and prints animage of a document read by and transferred from the other imageformation apparatus. Because of this feature, even when a linked deviceis at a remote site, it is possible to check whether a copy operation ispossible or not only with the master machine currently being operated bya user and without directly checking an ON/OFF state of power for theslave machine, which insures improved operability in the link copy mode.

With the image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports a communication-ready state in the slave machineto a master machine, and in a state where the link copy mode has beenselected, when the slave machine is not ready for communications, themaster machine inhibits the link copy operation. Because of thisfeature, even when a linked device is at a remote site, it is possibleto check whether a copy operation is possible or not only with themaster machine currently being operated by a user and without directlychecking an ON/OFF state of power for the slave machine, which insuresimproved operability in the link copy mode.

With the image formation apparatus (master machine) according to thepresent invention, in a state where the link copy mode has beenselected, when a communication error occurs in other image formationapparatus (es), the link copy operation is inhibited. Because of thisfeature, even when a linked device is at a remote site, it is possibleto check whether a copy operation is possible or not only with themaster machine currently being operated by a user and without directlychecking an ON/OFF state of power for the slave machine, and further thenecessity of an operation for restarting a copy operation after acommunication error is recovered is eliminated, which insures improvedoperability in the link copy mode.

With the image formation apparatus (slave machine) according to thepresent invention, a local machine reports a communication error statein the local machine to other image formation apparatus (es), and printsan image of a document read by and transferred from the other imageformation apparatus (es). Because of this feature, even when a linkeddevice is at a remote site, it is possible to check whether a copyoperation is possible or not only with the master machine currentlybeing operated by a user and without directly checking an ON/OFF stateof power for the slave machine, and further the necessity of anoperation for restarting a copy operation after a communication error isrecovered is eliminated, which insures improved operability in the linkcopy mode.

With the image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports a communication error state in the slave machineto a master machine, and the master machine inhibits the link copyoperation in a state where the link copy mode is selected when acommunication error occurs in the slave machine. Because of thisfeature, even when a linked device is at a remote site, it is possibleto check whether a copy operation is possible or not only with themaster machine currently being operated by a user and without directlychecking an ON/OFF state of power for the slave machine, and further thenecessity of an operation for restarting a copy operation after acommunication error is recovered is eliminated, which insures improvedoperability in the link copy mode.

With the image formation apparatus (master machine) according to thepresent invention, when power for other image formation apparatus isOFF, selection of the link copy mode is inhibited. Because of thisfeature, even when a linked device is at a remote site, it is possibleto determine whether a copy operation is possible or not only with themaster machine currently being operated by a user and without directlychecking a power ON/OFF state of a slave machine, which insuresoperability in the link copy mode. Further, when a link copy operationis not possible, selection of the link copy mode is inhibited, so thatit is possible to alert a user before selection of the link copy modethat a link copy operation is not possible, which insures furtherimproved operability.

With the image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports a power ON/OFF state in the slave machine to amaster machine, and the master machine inhibits selection of the linkcopy mode when power for the slave machine is OFF. Because of thisfeature, even when a linked device is at a remote site, it is possibleto determine whether a copy operation is possible or not only with themaster machine currently being operated by a user and without directlychecking a power ON/OFF state of a slave machine, which insuresoperability in the link copy mode. Further, when a link copy operationis not possible, selection of the link copy mode is inhibited, so thatit is possible to alert a user before selection of the link copy modethat a link copy operation is not possible, which insures furtherimproved operability.

With the image formation apparatus (master machine) according to thepresent invention, when other image formation apparatus are not readyfor communication, selection of the link copy mode is inhibited. Becauseof this feature, even when a linked device is at a remote site, it ispossible to determine whether a copy operation is possible or not onlywith the master machine currently being operated by a user and withoutdirectly checking a power ON/OFF state of a slave machine, which insuresoperability in the link copy mode. Further, when a link copy operationis not possible, selection of the link copy mode is inhibited, so thatit is possible to alert a user before selection of the link copy modethat a link copy operation is not possible, which insures furtherimproved operability.

With the image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports a communication-ready state in the slave machineto a master machine, and the master machine inhibits selection of thelink copy mode when the slave machine is not ready for communications.Because of this feature, even when a linked device is at a remote site,it is possible to determine whether a copy operation is possible or notonly with the master machine currently being operated by a user andwithout directly checking a power ON/OFF state of a slave machine, whichinsures operability in the link copy mode. Further, when a link copyoperation is not possible, selection of the link copy mode is inhibited,so that it is possible to alert a user before selection of the link copymode that a link copy operation is not possible, which insures furtherimproved operability.

With the image formation apparatus (master machine) according to thepresent invention, when a communication error occurs in other imageformation apparatus, selection of the link copy mode is inhibited.Because of this feature, even when a linked device is at a remote site,it is possible to determine whether a copy operation is possible or notonly with the master machine currently being operated by a user andwithout directly checking a power ON/OFF state of a slave machine, whichinsures operability in the link copy mode. Further, when a link copyoperation is not possible, selection of the link copy mode is inhibited,so that it is possible to alert a user before selection of the link copymode that a link copy operation is not possible, which insures furtherimproved operability.

With the image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports a communication error state in the slave machineto a master machine, and the master machine inhibits selection of thelink copy mode when the slave machine is in the communication errorstate. Because of this feature, even when a link copy is located at aremote site, it is possible to determine whether a link copy operationis possible or not only with the master machine currently being operatedby a user and without directly checking whether a communication errorhas occurred in the slave machine or not, and further the necessity ofan operation for restarting a copy operation after the communicationerror is recovered, which insures improved operability in the link copymode. In addition, selection of the link copy mode is inhibited when alink copy operation is not possible, so that it is possible to alert auser before selection of the link copy mode that a link copy operationis not possible, which insures further improved operability.

With the image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine periodically transmits a communication connection checksignal indicating whether connection has been established or not to amaster machine, and the master machine receives the communicationconnection check signal and determines whether the slave machine isready for communications or not. Because of this feature, a dedicatedcommunication line is not necessary, which enables cost reduction forthe entire system.

With the image formation apparatus (master machine) according to thepresent invention, when other image formation apparatus are in thesupply-end state, the link copy operation is inhibited. Because of thisfeature, even when a linked device is located at a remote site, it ispossible to determine whether a link copy operation is possible not onlywith the master machine currently being operated by user and withoutdirectly checking availability of supply in the salve device, whichinsures improved operability in the link copy mode.

With the image formation apparatus (slave machine) according to thepresent invention, a local machine reports a supply state in the localmachine to other image formation apparatus, and prints an image of adocument read by and transferred from the image formation apparatus.Because of this feature, even when a linked device is located at aremote site, it is possible to determine whether a link copy operationis possible not only with the master machine currently being operated byuser and without directly checking availability of supply in the salvedevice, which insures improved operability in the link copy mode.

With the image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports a supply state in the slave machine to a mastermachine, and the master machine inhibits the link copy operation whenthe slave machine is in the supply-end state. The master machine printsan image read by and transferred from other image formationapparatus(es). Because of this feature, even when a linked device islocated at a remote site, it is possible to determine whether a linkcopy operation is possible not only with the master machine currentlybeing operated by user and without directly checking availability ofsupply in the salve device, which insures improved operability in thelink copy mode.

With the image formation apparatus (slave machine) according to thepresent invention, a reporting unit reports, when a supply state in alocal machine changes, the supply state in the local machine to otherimage formation apparatus(es). Because of this feature, in addition tothe advantages described above, a time required for communication can bereduced.

With the image formation apparatus (master machine) according to thepresent invention, the link copy operation is inhibited when a printengine error occurs in other image formation apparatus. Because of thisfeature, even when a linked device is located at a remote site, it ispossible to determine whether a link copy operation is possible not onlywith the master machine currently being operated by user and withoutdirectly checking availability of supply in the salve device, whichinsures improved operability in the link copy mode.

With the image formation apparatus (slave machine) according to thepresent invention, a local machine reports an operating state of a printengine in the local machine to other image formation apparatus, andprints an image of a document read by and transferred from the otherimage formation apparatus. Because of this feature, even when a linkeddevice is located at a remote site, it is possible to determine whethera link copy operation is possible not only with the master machinecurrently being operated by user and without directly checkingavailability of supply in the salve device, which insures improvedoperability in the link copy mode.

With the image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports an operating state of a print engine in the slavemachine to a master machine, and the master machine inhibits the linkcopy operation when an print engine error occurs in the slave machine.Because of this feature, even when a linked device is located at aremote site, it is possible to determine whether a link copy operationis possible not only with the master machine currently being operated byuser and without directly checking availability of supply in the salvedevice, which insures improved operability in the link copy mode.

With the image formation apparatus (slave machine) according to thepresent invention, when an operating state of a print engine in a localmachine changes, the local machine reports the operating state of aprint engine in the local machine to other image formation apparatus.Because of this feature, in addition to the advantage described above, atime required for communications can be reduced.

With the image formation apparatus (master machine) according to thepresent invention, when other image formation apparatus display a screenother than the normal copy screen, the link copy operation is inhibited.Because of this feature, even when a linked device is located at aremote site, it is possible to determine whether a link copy operationis possible or not and without directly checking a screen display statein the slave machine, which insures improved operability in the linkcopy mode. Further, a demand for a link copy operation is never sentfrom other apparatus(es) during initialization or maintenance, so thatan operation for initialization or maintenance is not interrupted.

With the image formation apparatus (slave machine) according to thepresent invention, a local machine reports a screen display state in thelocal machine to other image formation apparatus, and prints an image ofa document read by and transferred from the other image formationapparatus. Because of this feature, even when a linked device is locatedat a remote site, it is possible to determine whether a link copyoperation is possible or not and without directly checking a screendisplay state in the slave machine, which insures improved operabilityin the link copy mode. Further, a demand for a link copy operation isnever sent from other apparatus during initialization or maintenance, sothat an operation for initialization or maintenance is not interrupted.

With the image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports a screen display state in the slave machine to amaster machine, and the master machine inhibits the link copy operationwhen the slave machine displays a screen other than the normal copyscreen. Because of this feature, even when a linked device is located ata remote site, it is possible to determine whether a link copy operationis possible or not and without directly checking a screen display statein the slave machine, which insures improved operability in the linkcopy mode. Further, a demand for a link copy operation is never sentfrom other apparatus during initialization or maintenance, so that anoperation for initialization or maintenance is not interrupted.

With the image formation apparatus (slave machine) according to thepresent invention, a reporting unit reports, when a screen display statein a local machine, the screen display state in the local machine toother image formation apparatus. Because of this feature, in addition tothe advantages described above, a time required for communications canbe reduced.

With the image formation apparatus (master machine) according to thepresent invention, when other image formation apparatus are executing aprinting operation, the link copy operation is inhibited. Because ofthis feature, even when a linked device is located at a remote site, itis possible to determine whether a link copy operation is possible ornot and without directly checking a screen display state in the slavemachine, which insures improved operability in the link copy mode.Further, a demand for a link copy operation is never sent from otherapparatus during initialization or maintenance, so that a trouble ofgiving influence over a printing job in executed can be prevented.

With the image formation apparatus (slave machine) according to thepresent invention, a local machine reports an operating state of a printengine in the local machine to other image formation apparatus, andprints an image of a document read by and transferred from other imageformation apparatus. Because of this feature, even when a linked deviceis located at a remote site, it is possible to determine whether a linkcopy operation is possible or not and without directly checking a screendisplay state in the slave machine, which insures improved operabilityin the link copy mode. Further, a demand for a link copy operation isnever sent from other apparatus during initialization or maintenance, sothat a trouble of giving influence over a printing job in executed canbe prevented.

With the image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports an operating state of a print engine in the slavemachine to a master machine, and the master machine inhibits the linkcopy operation when the slave machine is executing a printing operation.Because of this feature, even when a linked device is located at aremote site, it is possible to determine whether a link copy operationis possible or not and without directly checking a screen display statein the slave machine, which insures improved operability in the linkcopy mode. Further, a demand for a link copy operation is never sentfrom other apparatus during initialization or maintenance, so that atrouble of giving influence over a printing job in executed can beprevented.

With the image formation system according to the present invention, areporting unit reports, when an operating state of a print engine in alocal machine changes, the operating state of a print engine in thelocal machine to other image formation apparatus. Because of thisconfiguration, in addition to the advantages described above, a timerequired for communications can be reduced.

With the image formation apparatus (master machine) according to thepresent invention, when other image formation apparatus are in a supplyend state, selection of the link copy mode is inhibited. Because of thefeature, even when a linked device is located at a remote site, it ispossible to determine whether a link copy operation is possible or notonly with the master machine currently being operated by a user andwithout directly checking availability of a supply in a slave machine,which insures improved operability in the link copy mode. Further, whena link copy operation is not possible, selection of the link copy modeis inhibited, so that it is possible to alert a user before selection ofthe link copy mode that a link copy operation is not possible, whichinsures further improved operability.

With the image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports a supply end state in the slave machine to amaster machine, and the master machine inhibits selection of the linkcopy mode when the slave machine is in the supply end state. Because ofthe feature, even when a linked device is located at a remote site, itis possible to determine whether a link copy operation is possible ornot only with the master machine currently being operated by a user andwithout directly checking availability of a supply in a slave machine,which insures improved operability in the link copy mode. Further, whena link copy operation is not possible, selection of the link copy modeis inhibited, so that it is possible to alert a user before selection ofthe link copy mode that a link copy operation is not possible, whichinsures further improved operability.

With the image formation apparatus (master machine) according to thepresent invention, when other image formation apparatus are in the printengine error state, selection of the link copy mode is inhibited.Because of the feature, even when a linked device is located at a remotesite, it is possible to determine whether a link copy operation ispossible or not only with the master machine currently being operated bya user and without directly checking whether a print engine error hasoccurred in a slave machine or not, which insures improved operabilityin the link copy mode. Further, when a link copy operation is notpossible, selection of the link copy mode is inhibited, so that it ispossible to alert a user before selection of the link copy mode that alink copy operation is not possible, which insures further improvedoperability.

With the image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports a print engine state in the slave machine to amaster machine, and the master machine inhibits selection of the linkcopy mode when the slave machine is in the print engine error state.Because of this feature, even when a linked device is located at aremote site, it is possible to determined whether a link copy operationis possible or not only with the master machine currently being operatedby a user and without directly checking whether a print engine error hasoccurred in the slave machine or not, which insured improved operabilityin the link copy mode. Further, when a link copy operation is notpossible, selection of the link copy mode is inhibited, so that it ispossible to alert a user before selection of the link copy mode that alink copy operation is not possible, which insures further improvedoperability.

With the image formation apparatus (master machine) according to thepresent invention, when other image formation apparatus are displaying ascreen other than the normal copy screen, selection of the link copymode is inhibited. Because of this feature, even when a linked device islocated at a remote site, it is possible to determine whether a linkcopy operation is possible or not only with the master machine currentlybeing operated and without directly checking a display screen state inthe slave machine, which insures improved operability in the link copymode. Further, when a link copy operation is not possible, selection ofthe link copy mode is inhibited, so that it is possible to alert a userbefore selection of the link copy mode that a link copy operation is notpossible, which insures further improved operability. In addition, ademand for a link copy operation is never send during initialization ora maintenance work, so that interruption of initialization ormaintenance work can be prevented.

With the image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports a screen display state in the slave machine to amaster machine, and the master machine inhibits selection of the linkcopy mode when the salve device displays a screen other than the normalcopy screen. Because of this feature, even when a linked device islocated at a remote site, it is possible to determine whether a linkcopy operation is possible or not only with the master machine currentlybeing operated and without directly checking a display screen state inthe slave machine, which insures improved operability in the link copymode. Further, when a link copy operation is not possible, selection ofthe link copy mode is inhibited, so that it is possible to alert a userbefore selection of the link copy mode that a link copy operation is notpossible, which insures further improved operability. In addition, ademand for a link copy operation is never sent during initialization ora maintenance work, so that interruption of initialization ormaintenance work can be prevented.

With the image formation apparatus (master machine) according to thepresent invention, selection of the link copy mode is inhibited whenother image formation apparatus are executing a printing operation.Because of this feature, even when a linked device is located at aremote site, it is possible to determine whether a link copy operationis possible or not only with the master machine currently being operatedand without directly checking an operating state of a print engine inthe slave machine, which insures improved operability in the link copymode. Further, when a link copy operation is not possible, selection ofthe link copy mode is inhibited, so that it is possible to alert a userbefore selection of the link copy mode that a link copy operation is notpossible, which insures further improved operability. In addition, ademand for a link copy operation is never sent when a print engine ofthe slave machine is operating, so that a trouble giving influence overa printing job in execution can be prevented.

With the image formation system according to the present invention, aslave machine reports an operating state of a print engine in the slavemachine to a master machine, and the master machine inhibits selectionof the link copy mode when the slave machine is executing a printingoperation. Because of this feature, even when a linked device is locatedat a remote site, it is possible to determine whether a link copyoperation is possible or not only with the master machine currentlybeing operated and without directly checking an operating state of aprint engine in the slave machine, which insures improved operability inthe link copy mode. Further, when a link copy operation is not possible,selection of the link copy mode is inhibited, so that it is possible toalert a user before selection of the link copy mode that a link copyoperation is not possible, which insures further improved operability.In addition, a demand for a link copy operation is never sent when aprint engine of the slave machine is operating, so that a trouble givinginfluence over a printing job in execution can be prevented.

With the image formation apparatus according to the present invention,when a number of specified copies of a document to be printed is morethan a prespecified number of sheets, the link copy mode isautomatically executed. Because of this feature, productivity inprinting is improved. In addition, it is possible to automaticallyexecute a link copy operation even to a user who does not know afunction of the link copy mode, which realizes the print processing withhigh productivity.

With the image formation system according to the present invention, whena number of sheets of document to be printed is more than a prespecifiednumber of sheets, the link copy mode is automatically executed. Becauseof this feature, productivity in printing is improved. In addition, itis possible to automatically execute a link copy operation even to auser who does not know a function of the link copy mode, which realizesthe print processing with high productivity.

With the image formation apparatus (master machine) according to thepresent invention, when a number of sheets of document is more than aprespecified number of sheets, the link copy mode is automaticallyexecuted. Because of this feature, productivity in printing is improved.In addition, it is possible to automatically execute a link copyoperation even to a user who does not know a function of the link copymode, which realizes the print processing with high productivity.

With the image formation system according to the present invention, whena number of sheets of document is more than a prespecified number ofsheets, the link copy mode is automatically executed. Because of thisfeature, productivity in printing is improved. In addition, it ispossible to automatically execute a link copy operation even to a userwho does not know a function of the link copy mode, which realizes theprint processing with high productivity.

With the image formation apparatus (master machine) according to thepresent invention, a total number of sheets to be printed is calculatedbased on a number of sheets of document and a specified number of sheetsof document to be printed, and the link copy mode is automaticallyexecuted when the calculated total number of sheets to be printed ismore than a prespecified number of sheets. Because of this feature,operations in the link copy mode can be executed under more accuratelyconditions with improved productivity. Further, it is possible toautomatically execute a link copy operation even to a user who does notknow a function of the link copy mode, which realizes the printprocessing with high productivity.

With the image formation system according to the present invention, amaster machine calculates a total number of sheets to be printed basedon a number of sheets of document and a specified number of sheets ofdocument to be printed, and automatically executes the link copy modewhen the calculated total number of sheets to be printed is more than aprespecified number of sheets. Because of this feature, operations inthe link copy mode can be executed under more accurately conditions withimproved productivity. Further, it is possible to automatically executea link copy operation even to a user who does not know a function of thelink copy mode, which realizes the print processing with highproductivity.

With the image formation apparatus (master machine) according to thepresent invention, a master machine calculates a total required numberof image-forming operations based on a number of sheets of document, anumber of sheets of document to be printed, and a specified imageformation mode, and automatically executes the link copy mode when thecalculate number of image-forming operations is more than a prespecifiedvalue. Because of this feature, conditions for enabling a link copyoperation are more accurate as compared to those for the concentratemode, and productivity in printing can be improved. Further, it ispossible to automatically execute a link copy operation even to a userwho does not know a function of the link copy mode, which realizes theprint processing with high productivity.

With the image formation system according to the present invention, amaster machine calculates a total required number of image-formingoperations based on a number of sheets of document, a specified numberof sheets of document to be printed, and a specified image-forming mode,and automatically executes the link copy mode when the calculated totalnumber of image-forming operations requires a larger number of sheets ofpaper more than a prespecified value. Because of this feature,conditions for enabling a link copy operation are more accurate ascompared to those for the concentrate mode, and productivity in printingcan be improved. Further, it is possible to automatically execute a linkcopy operation even to a user who does not know a function of the linkcopy mode, which realizes the print processing with high productivity.

With the image formation apparatus (master machine) according to thepresent invention, when the link copy mode is automatically executed, amessage indicating automatic execution of the link copy mode isdisplayed on a display unit. Because of this feature, in addition to theadvantages described above, it is possible to let a user know that acopy operation is automatically started in the link copy mode.

With the image formation system according to the present invention, amaster machine displays a message indicating automatic execution of thelink copy mode on a display unit when the link copy mode isautomatically executed. Because of this feature, in addition to theadvantages described above, it is possible to let a user know that acopy operation is automatically started in the link copy mode.

With the image formation apparatus (master machine) according to thepresent invention, when the link copy mode is automatically executed anda printing job is finished, the link copy mode is canceled. Because ofthis feature, in addition to the advantages described above, a statewhere a linked device is occupied by other devices for a long time canbe prevented.

With the image formation system according to the present invention, amaster machine cancels the link copy mode when the master machineautomatically executes the link copy mode and finishes a print job.Because of this feature, in addition to the advantages described above,a state where a linked device is occupied by other devices for a longtime can be prevented.

With the image formation apparatus (master machine) according to thepresent invention, when the link copy mode is selected, a link copy modeshift request reporting unit sends a link copy mode shift request toother image formation apparatus connected thereto, and a link copy modesetting unit sets the link copy mode in response to the link copy modeshift request and based on a result of determination that a link copymode shift request sent from other image formation apparatus can beaccepted. Because of this feature, the communication efficiency in thelink copy mode can be improved.

With the image formation apparatus (slave machine) according to thepresent invention, a link mode shift determination unit determines inresponse to a link copy mode shift request sent from other imageformation apparatus whether shift to the link copy mode is possible ornot, and sends the result of determination to the other image formationapparatus. Because of this feature, the communication efficiency in thelink copy mode can be improved.

With the image formation system according to the present invention, in aslave machine, a link copy mode shift determination unit determines inresponse to a link copy mode shift request sent from a master machinewhether shift to the link copy mode is possible or not, and sends theresult of determination to the master machine. On the other hand, whenthe link copy mode is selected, the link copy mode shift requestreporting unit in the master machine sends a link copy mode shiftrequest to the slave machine, and a link copy mode determination unitsets the link copy mode based on the result of determination sent fromthe slave machine that shift to the link copy mode is possible. Becauseof this feature, the communication efficiency in the link copy mode canbe improved.

With the image formation apparatus according to the present invention,one image formation apparatus is connected to other image formationapparatus peer to peer. Because of this feature, an image formationapparatus can functions as either one of a master machine and a slavemachine.

With the image formation system according to the present invention, amaster machine is connected to a slave machine peer to peer. Because ofthis feature, in addition to the advantages described above, an imageformation apparatus can functions as either one of a master machine anda slave machine.

Although the invention has been described with respect to a specificembodiment for a complete and clear disclosure, the appended claims arenot to be thus limited but are to be construed as embodying allmodifications and alternative constructions that may occur to oneskilled in the art which fairly fall within the basic teaching hereinset forth.

1. An image formation system having a link copy mode in which, of aplurality of image formation apparatuses connected to each other forenabling data communications, an image formation apparatus functioningas a master machine reads an image of a document to be copied, the readimage is transferred to at least one other image formation apparatusfunctioning as a slave machine, and printing of the read image is sharedby said master machine and said slave machine, wherein said mastermachine calculates a total number of copies to be printed based on thenumber of sheets of the document and the specified number of copies, andautomatically executes switching to the link copy mode when thecalculated total number of copies exceeds a prespecified number.
 2. Theimage formation system according to claim 1, wherein said master machinehas a display unit on which a message indicating execution of the linkcopy mode is displayed when switching to the link copy mode isautomatically executed.
 3. The image formation system according to claim1, wherein said master machine cancels the link copy mode when switchingto the link copy mode is automatically executed and the printing job isfinished.
 4. The image formation system according to the claim 1,wherein said master machine is connected to the salve device peer topeer.
 5. An image formation apparatus connected to at least one otherimage formation apparatus such that data communications can be executedbetween the two image formation apparatus apparatuses, said imageformation apparatus comprising: a reading unit which reads an image of adocument; a printing unit which prints the read image of a document; anda controller which executes a link copy mode in which the read image istransferred to said other image formation apparatus for sharing theprinting of the read image with the local image formation apparatus andsaid other image formation apparatus, wherein a total number of imagesto be prepared is calculated based on the number of sheets of thedocument, the specified number of copies, and the specified imageformation mode, and switching to the link copy mode is automaticallyexecuted when the calculated total number of copies exceeds aprespecified number.
 6. The image formation apparatus according to theclaim 5, further comprises a display unit on which a message indicatingexecution of the link copy mode is displayed when switching to the linkcopy mode is automatically executed.
 7. The image formation apparatusaccording to the claim 5, wherein the link copy mode is canceled whenswitching to the link copy mode is automatically executed and theprinting job is finished.
 8. The image formation apparatus according tothe claim 5, wherein said image formation apparatus is connected to saidother image formation apparatus peer to peer.
 9. An image formationsystem having a link copy mode in which, a plurality of image formationapparatuses connected to each other for enabling data communications, animage formation apparatus functioning as a master machine reads an imageof a document to be copied, the read image is transferred to at leastone other image formation apparatus functioning as a slave machine, andprinting of the read image is shared by said master machine and saidslave machine, wherein said master machine calculates a total number ofimages to be prepared based on the number of sheets of the document, thespecified number of copies, and the specified image formation mode, andautomatically executes switching to the link copy mode when thecalculated total number of copies exceeds a prespecified number.
 10. Theimage formation system according to the claim 9, wherein said mastermachine has a display unit on which a message indicating execution ofthe link copy mode is displayed when switching to the link copy mode isautomatically executed.
 11. The image formation system according toclaim 9, wherein said master machine cancels the link copy mode whenswitching to the link copy mode is automatically executed and theprinting job is finished.
 12. The image formation system according tothe claim 9, wherein said master machine is connected to the slavedevice peer to peer.